help...hamstring spasm vs. tear

[fouroeightmiler]

I'm a competitive master's distance runner and recently experienced what I thought was just a cramping in my lower hamstring. After some stretching it seemed to go away for a few minutes but now it even cramps upon brisk walking. The pain is not sharp, but more dull and difficult to isolate, which leads me to think the muscle is spasming at a certain point of fatigue. No pain stretching at all...no swelling or bruising at all, which I think is the good news here. Looking for advice on how to best treat this since it seems like a minor strain. Thanks!

[Heidi]

Hi,

Sports massage and frequent stretching is the way to go here. The massage will help to stretch out the muscle fibres and release any trigger points/break down any scar tissue present. Also it will help get the blood to the muscle to help heal.

Check out this page for some more advice:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/hamstrings/tighthamstrings.htm

I hope this helps

[fouroeightmiler]

Thank you for the reply...very helpful. Another question...what are the guidelines for when to apply ice to an injury? I have always heard in the acute phase, do the R.I.C.E. plan, which makes sense. However, after the first week of injury, when one is phasing in excercise, should ice be used after, regardless of wether or not I am experiencing any pain or inflamation? Thanks.

[Heidi]

Have a look at this page for information on cold therapy:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cold_therapy/cold_therapy.php

I woulder personnaly continue using ice after training just for the first week back at training. After that, providing there is no pain after training or the next day then you can stop icing!