Minor hamstring pull, can I keep going at easy pace? - Project Sports
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Minor hamstring pull, can I keep going at easy pace?

5 min read

Asked by: Eric Vazquez

Can I run with a slight hamstring pull?

These hamstring strains can be difficult to manage because they’re usually not bad enough to stop you from running. In fact, most runners with hamstring strains find that complete rest doesn’t help the problem go away, and that gentle running can ease symptoms because of the increased blood flow.

Can you still run with a Grade 1 hamstring strain?

The reason it can be from 3 weeks to 3 months for the same injury is due to a couple of reasons first and most obviously with a Grade 1 tear runners can continue to run which they like to do, and tend to do, even in pain, this disrupts the healing processes and prevents the tear from healing, secondly, it can depend on

How long does a minor pulled hamstring last?

Mild to moderate (grade 1 or 2) tears or strains can heal within three to eight weeks with diligent home therapy. For a grade 3 hamstring tear or strain, recovery may be as long as three months. Returning to sports before the injury is fully healed can cause more severe injuries.

How long should you rest a Grade 1 hamstring strain?

Rehabilitation and Return to Play



As a general rule, Grade 1 hamstring strains should be rested from sporting activity for about three weeks and Grade 2 injuries for a minimum of four to eight weeks.

How do you treat a slightly pulled hamstring?

Apply ice packs several times a day to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Wrap the injured area with a compression bandage or wear compression shorts to minimize swelling. Rest with your leg elevated above the level of your heart, if possible, to improve drainage and minimize swelling.

How do you recover from a grade 1 hamstring strain?

Symptom Relief

  1. Rest. Stop any physical activity that causes pain. …
  2. Ice. Put ice on your hamstring for about 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. …
  3. Compression. A compression bandage or wrap can reduce swelling and ease pain.
  4. Elevation. When sitting, keep your leg raised slightly to reduce swelling.


Can I play soccer with a pulled hamstring?

CAN YOU PLAY AGAIN AFTER A HAMSTRING INJURY? Yes, generally speaking, hamstring injuries are not a major cause for concern when it comes to a player’s career in the long-term and they are usually able to resume playing within a matter of weeks.

When should I start running after hamstring strain?

Historically, many athletes have returned to sport less than 3 weeks after hamstring injury. One of the reasons for this is that by this stage of healing, it is common to be able to run, even at moderate speeds, with no pain.

Can a pulled hamstring heal in 2 days?

A minor muscle pull or strain (grade 1) may take a few days to heal, whereas it could take weeks or months to recover from a muscle tear (grade 2 or 3).

Will a partially torn hamstring heal on its own?

Though these injuries can be very painful, they will usually heal on their own. However, for an injured hamstring to return to full function, it needs special attention and a specially designed rehabilitation program. When the hamstring is injured, the fibers of the muscles or tendon are actually torn.

How do you speed up a pulled hamstring?

To speed the healing, you can:

  1. Rest the leg. …
  2. Ice your leg to reduce pain and swelling. …
  3. Compress your leg. …
  4. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down.
  5. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. …
  6. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor/physical therapist recommends them.


What exercise can I do with a hamstring injury?

Hamstring curl

  • Lie on your stomach with your knees straight. …
  • Lift the foot of your affected leg by bending your knee so that you bring your foot up toward your buttock. …
  • Slowly move your leg up and down.
  • Repeat 8 to 12 times.
  • When you can do this exercise with ease and no pain, add some resistance.

Should you massage a hamstring tear?

Yes. Once the acute phase of healing is over, sports massage can be of great benefit. It can: Flush out excess fluids and swelling from the tissue.

How do you know what grade hamstring injury?

What are the symptoms of a hamstring injury?

  1. Grade 1: Strain. Sudden, radiating pain in the back of your thigh. Your strength won’t be affected, but it’ll be hard to move your leg.
  2. Grade 2: Partial Tear. More painful than grade 1. …
  3. Grade 3: Severe tear. Worse pain, tenderness, swelling and bruising.


What does a grade 1 hamstring strain feel like?

Mild hamstring strains (grade 1) will usually cause sudden pain and tenderness at the back of your thigh. It may be painful to move your leg, but the strength of the muscle should not be affected. Partial hamstring tears (grade 2) are usually more painful and tender.

How long after a hamstring injury can I run?

Acute Hamstring Strains In Runners:



As a runner, if you are to experience a hamstring injury, a mild strain is preferable. Typically, we can get back out and perform modified running in 2-4 weeks with full healing and return to play in 4-8 weeks.

Can I run with a grade 2 hamstring strain?

Walking will likely be unaffected, you may feel minimal symptoms with sprinting. Grade 2 Strain- Moderate, a partial muscle tear up to half of the muscle. You may experience a limp with walking, and running may not be an option due to weakness and pain.

How do you heal a pulled hamstring in 2 days?

To speed the healing, you can:

  1. Rest the leg. …
  2. Ice your leg to reduce pain and swelling. …
  3. Compress your leg. …
  4. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down.
  5. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. …
  6. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your doctor/physical therapist recommends them.


Can you play through a strained hamstring?

CAN YOU PLAY AGAIN AFTER A HAMSTRING INJURY? Yes, generally speaking, hamstring injuries are not a major cause for concern when it comes to a player’s career in the long-term and they are usually able to resume playing within a matter of weeks.

What grade hamstring pull do I have?

The three grades of hamstring injury are: Grade I: a mild muscle strain – likely to recover in a few days. Grade II: a partial muscle tear. Grade III: a complete muscle tear or tear of an attachment – may take weeks or months to heal.