The hamstring muscles are located on the back of the thigh and are actually three different muscles. They are powerful, spread across the back of the thigh and connect to the bones at the lower end of the pelvis and below the knee. They function to flex (bend) the knee joint and straighten the hip joint while walking.
The hamstring muscle group delivers power primarily during lower leg activities such as running, jumping or climbing. And consequently injuries to the hamstring muscle also happen during activities in which quick acceleration is required, such as sprinting. A torn hamstring can also happen with a direct blow to the muscle or when falling backward onto an object that hits the hamstring muscle.
Hamstring muscle injuries are common to all types of athletes from Olympic sprinters to slow-pitch softball players. Other sporting events where this type of injury is common include water skiing, ice skating, dancing, weight lifting and kicking sports.
Although these injuries usually heal with conservative care for it to return to full function and recovery to be complete it will need special attention and a rehabilitation program.
Most of the injuries happen in the area where the muscle and tendons join (musculotendinous complex). This muscle has a large musculotendinous complex which explains why hamstring injuries are so common.
