Hamstring Rupture

A hamstring rupture or hamstring tear is an injury in which the tendons at the back of the thigh (hamstrings) partially or completely tear. These tendons connect the hamstrings to the ischial tuberosity and the back of the knee. They play a crucial role in stabilising the pelvis and knee, extending the hip, and flexing the knee.

With a tear, you often feel pain at the back of the hip, around the ischial tuberosity. This pain can radiate down the leg.

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to promote recovery and prevent further overuse.

How does a hamstring rupture occur?

A hamstring tear usually occurs acutely but can sometimes develop gradually. The tissue's load capacity (i.e. how strong the tendon is) determines whether an injury can occur. If the load is higher than the load capacity, the risk of injury is higher.

You can compare this to a rubber band: if you take a weak rubber band (tendon) and apply a lot of force (load) to it, it can break (tear). It will break faster if you pull it explosively and hard, but it can also become less elastic (load capacity) if it is subjected to high loads for a long time.

With a hamstring tear, you may feel pain at the back of the hip, around the ischial tuberosity. This can radiate downwards.

Symptoms are particularly evident during activities such as:

• prolonged sitting, especially on a hard surface
• driving
• walking
• sports
• stretching, especially when flexing the hip with a straight knee
• bending forward at the torso

The treatment for a hamstring tear depends on the severity of the injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, the following treatments may be applied:

• Specific exercise therapy
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Injection
• Surgery (hamstring repair)

We will discuss with you which treatment option is most suitable based on your specific situation and needs.