HAMSTRING STRAIN (Muscles Strain)- Occurs when there is a tear in one of the three muscles that make up the hamstring muscle group. The hamstring muscles work together to help bend the knee and extend the hip. Hamstring strains are common in runners or activities that require running such as basketball.
SYMPTOMS- Pain when bending and flexing the knee, or stretching the hamstring. For sprinters, a strain is felt after running a sprinting session.
HAMSTRING TENDINITIS- Hamstring tendinitis is inflammation of the hamstring tendon. Often if a hamstring strain is not properly treated, hamstring tendinitis will result (classified as an overuse injury).
SYMPTOMS- Pain when bending and flexing the knee, or stretching the hamstring.
QUADRICEP STRAIN (muscles strain)- A muscle strain is the result of a tear in the quadricep muscles which are the muscles on the front of the leg/thigh. Tear can range from a small tear to a complete rupture and are often the result of running or playing sports.
SYMPTOMS- The most common muscle strain symptoms include tightness in the thigh, a sudden sharp pain, swelling, bruising, inability to fully bend the knee, and pain with activity.
QUADRICEPS CONTUSION- Common in contact sports, a contusion is extremely painful and if not treated can lead to Myositis Ossificans. There are two types of contusions.
The first is a intramuscular which is when the muscle tears within the sheath that surrounds it. This contusion is difficult to recover from because the fluid that builds up as a result of the inflammation is not able to escape. You typically will not see very much bruising.
The second is when the tearing occurs not only to the muscles but also the sheath that surrounds it. Recovery is typically faster with this injury as the fluids are not trapped in the area of injury and can drain properly.
SYMPTOMS- Difficult to move, bruising, swelling, and sore to touch.