Hamstring Injuries Tie Up Athletes

Hamstring injuries are something even the world's fastest men can't outrun.

American sprinter Michael Johnson found out firsthand at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials when he came up lame in the 200-meter finals, failing to qualify in that race for the Summer Olympic Games in Australia.

Dr. Charles Kevorkian, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine, says that athletes with hamstring injuries should take it easy.

"The best thing you can do is rest and do a gentle stretch," Dr. Kevorkian says. "If the injury doesn't improve or there is considerable pain, see a doctor."

Dr. Kevorkian says hamstring injuries, which are common among runners and soccer players, might be avoided by doing exercises to increase strength and flexibility.

As a basic strengthening exercise for the recreational athlete, he recommends that you put on ankle weights, get on your stomach and bend the leg at the knees pressing against the hamstring.

"The exercise is relatively easy to do, and it doesn't require a great deal of weight," Dr. Kevorkian says.

Kevorkian also recommends a regular stretching program.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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