pulled Hamstring or something else

[Greg McM]

i think i pulled my hamstring a week ago playing football. i have always had trouble with it but this time it seems a little diferent. the muscles are really tight but i have also developed a lot of bruising on the inside of my thigh just above my knee. It is really black! there is a little bit of swelling there but the pain and the tightness feels as though it is further up my leg and on the otherside. if someone shed some light on the kind of injury this is and give me some rehab tips i would appreciate it :)

[Heidi]

Hi

Given that there is bruising it is probably a hamstring strain. Or possibly a groin strain, depending on the exact area. Did you feel it 'go'....like a sharp pain or pulling sensation, usually when running?

Now that it is probably 2 weeks since injury you should be safe to start treatment. For the best results I would visit a professional who can assess it to check what it is and also give you the appropriate treatment and a rehab plan. If you have suffered hamstring strains in the past then there is probably an underlying reason why it keeps happening which you should try to correct.

Have a look at our hamstring strain page for more explanation:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/hamstrings/hamstringstrain.htm

The tightness you are feeling higher up and on the other side is not uncommon. All of the muscles in the area will have probably tightened up to protect themselves from further injuries.

If you can do so pain free start to gently stretch the hamstrings and groin muscles. Try to get some sports massage and then focus on strengthening the muscles of the thigh and improving flexibility throughout the leg.