About Hamstring Strain and Tendinosis
The hamstring tendons originate at the ischial tuberosity (the “sit” bones) at the base of the buttocks. Tendinosis refers to disorganization and dysfunction of a tendon. Hamstring tendinosis or tendinopathy is typically a condition associated with overuse and is commonly seen in runners, cyclists, dancers, gymnasts, and other endurance athletes. This condition is most often associated with overuse. Sprinters and runners will often have pathology in the biceps femoris, one of the 3 hamstrings. Dancers and yogis may injure the semimembranosus. Muscle imbalance as well as other biomechanical factors (such as poor technique, ill fitting equipment) may predispose to overuse and strain.
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Symptoms of Hamstring Strain and Tendinosis
As with any tendinopathy, pain and decreased performance are the major symptoms. At early stages, the pain may initially improve with activity, worsen towards the end, and cause soreness that night or the next day. Sometimes pain can radiate down the back of the upper thigh. There may be subjective and objective strength loss as well.
Treatment for Hamstring Strain and Tendinosis
Procedural options for chronic tendon dysfunction include Regenexx regenerative medicine injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Concentrate containing stem cells that can theoretically provide long lasting pain relief and improved function by stimulating the body’s own natural healing response. There is some evidence that needling the tendon alone can stimulate blood flow and healing.
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect hamstring strain or tendinosis, contact our medical team at Ospina Medical. We offer advanced hamstring tendon treatments such as Regenexx at our office in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.