Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) develop over time from repetitive motions or overuse, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced function. Common in activities like typing, running, or manual labor, RSIs typically affect the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, and knees.

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Sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh during physical activity

Swelling or bruising at the site of the injury

Tenderness when pressing on the affected area

Weakness or difficulty moving the leg

A "popping" sensation at the time of injury (common with severe tears)

In severe cases, a visible gap or indentation in the muscle may be noticeable
Dr. Romanelli will begin with a physical examination to assess the severity of the injury. This will include evaluating the range of motion, pain, and muscle strength in the affected leg. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to determine the extent of the strain or tear and to guide the treatment plan.
The treatment for hamstring strains or tears depends on the severity of the injury, which is typically classified into three grades:

Grade I (Mild): A minor strain with overstretching but no significant tearing of muscle fibers.

Grade II (Moderate): A partial tear of the muscle fibers, causing more pain and difficulty moving.

Grade III (Severe): A complete tear of the muscle, often requiring more intensive treatment or surgery.
Most hamstring strains and tears can be treated successfully with non-surgical methods, especially for Grade I and II injuries. These treatments include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that strain the hamstring muscles and giving the injured leg time to heal is essential.

Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling and pain, especially in the early stages of the injury.

Compression and Elevation: Using compression wraps and elevating the leg can help minimize swelling.

Pain Management: To manage pain and reduce inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen) may be recommended.

Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility to the hamstring muscles. A personalized rehabilitation plan will help prevent future injuries.
In cases of severe Grade III hamstring tears, or when conservative treatment fails to heal the injury, surgery may be required. Surgical options include:

Hamstring Repair: The torn muscle is reattached to its original position, often using sutures or anchors to secure the muscle fibers.

Tendon Grafting: If the injury is severe and involves significant damage to the tendons, a tendon graft may be used to reinforce the repair and promote healing.
Physical therapy is a critical part of the recovery process for hamstring strains or tears, whether treated surgically or non-surgically. After the initial healing phase, physical therapy focuses on strengthening the hamstring muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion. Dr. Romanelli and his team will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program to help you regain full function and safely return to your regular activities.