Hamstring Origin Tendinitis / Tendinopathy

What is Hamstring Tendinitis / Tendinopathy?

Hamstring tendinitis is inflammation of the hamstring tendon as it attaches to the Ischial Tuberosity. It can follow a tear of the hamstring tendon which is poorly treated or more often is an overuse injury. There are three hamstring muscles, the semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscle.

Symptoms of hamstring tendinitis

Pain and tenderness at the ischial tuberosity.

Pain when stretching the hamstring.

Pain when flexing the knee against resistance.

A gradual onset of pain following a sprinting session.

What can the athlete do?

Reduce inflammation through rest, ice or cold therapy.

Once pain and inflammation has gone develop a stretching and strengthening programme.

For chronic hamstring tendon injuries there is likely to be muscle tightness and weakness which can be treated through massage, stretching and strengthening.

What can a doctor or physiotherapist do?

Recommend cold therapy and NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

Apply deep tissue sports massage techniques once the acute stage has passed. This is thought to be the most effective form of treatment for this condition. However if Ischiogluteal bursitis is a problem then massage is will not help.

Apply electrotherapy such as ultrasound.

Advise on a full rehabilitation programme.

Are there any healing complications?

Occasionally fibrous adhesions may develop on the tendon in chronic cases. These fibrous adhesions can irritate the sciatic nerve as it passes above the Ischial tuberosity and then down past the biceps femoris muscle. These adhesions may not respond to deep friction massage and stretching. This condition is known as hamstring syndrome and may require surgery.