What Are the Symptoms and Common Causes of a Pulled Hamstring?

Because the hamstring is so essential to lower body motion, hamstring pulls are both common and often quite painful. Depending on the severity, you will experience various symptoms, many of which are outlined below.

Common symptoms of a strained hamstring include:

There are numerous possible causes of a pulled hamstring, however, let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits:

• lack of flexibility in the hamstring and/or lower back
• poor hamstring strength
• strength imbalance between the hamstrings and the quadriceps
• being overtired or not warming up prior to stressful activity
• overstretching the hamstrings
• sudden stress upon hamstrings, which can be caused by impact from another person, or more commonly by over-pushing off of the ground to accelerate.

Additionally, you are at risk for a hamstring strain if you are tired and not moving properly, training in cold weather, or if you’ve had a previously damaged your hamstring.

Related Pulled Hamstring Articles:
>> Pulled Hamstring
>> Pulled Hamstring Severity
>> Pulled Hamstring Therapies & Treatments
>> Pulled Hamstring Prevention Tips