Hamstring pain is an uncommon cause of pain along the back of the hip and thigh. Many patients commonly feel pain while sitting with this injury and may shift their weight to the opposite side to ease the discomfort, especially during long periods of sitting such as long car rides.

Location of Hamstring Pain

The proximal (closer to the buttock) hamstring tendons connect three hamstring muscles to a bone in the lower pelvis called the ischial tuberosity. This bone is also known as the “sit bone” because this is the main area people sit on. Therefore, patients with proximal hamstring pain often experience pain while sitting.

Anatomy of the Back (Posterior) of the Thigh

Types of Hamstring Pain and Injuries

A sudden hamstring tendon rupture is a painful injury often caused by rapid acceleration or acceleration during sports such as soccer, football, or water skiing. High grade injuries with full or nearly full tears are extremely painful in the first two days. Bruising, pain, and difficulty walking may follow but usually improve over time.

Chronic hamstring pain is more common in high-level athletes who have put repeated stress on the hamstring for many years, such as long-distance runners. The pain is often worse with exercise and sitting.

Treatments for Hamstring Pain

Most hamstring injuries improve with conservative treatment such as NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medicine), physical therapy, rest, and ice. Other non-surgical options may include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to clean damaged tissue or reattach the tendon if symptoms continue.

In rare cases, surgery is used to clean and repair the damaged tendon. Surgery may also be recommended for complete tears, high-grade injuries, degeneration, or partial tearing.

Study Outcomes of Research on Proximal Hamstring Tendinosis and Partial Ruptures

In a recent study published in the Journal of Orthopedics, Dr. Carreira and his colleagues reviewed medical research about treatment for proximal hamstring injuries. The review found 21 studies that discussed hamstring injury treatments. 6 articles discussed surgical options and outcomes, 2 discussed MRI and ultrasound as diagnostic options, 4 discussed PRP, 1 discussed shockwave therapy, and 8 studies discussed conservative, non-surgical treatments.

The literature review showed strong evidence that surgery for proximal hamstring injuries is generally safe and effective. Across the surgical studies reviewed:

• 52% of patients had excellent outcomes
• 44% of patients had a good outcome
• 4% patients had a fair outcome, and
• 7% of patients had a poor outcome

A total of 82% of patients were satisfied or somewhat satisfied following surgery.

Across all surgical studies, 99% of patients reported improvement after surgery. In addition, 99% returned to strenuous activity and sports following surgery.