Tight Hamstrings

The fat and muscles found behind the knee are attributed by the word 'ham', while, 'strings' is meant for the tendons (cord or band of inelastic tissues connecting a muscle with its bony attachment). Modern anatomy defines hamstrings as posterior thigh muscles or the tendons of the semitendinosus (muscle in the back of the thigh). Function of the hamstrings comprises the many crucial activities which we perform day in and day out. These include walking, running, jumping, and controlling some movement in the trunk. Most people, especially sportsmen, come up with a complaint of a feeling of tightness in their hamstrings and this condition is what we would discuss in the following.

What Triggers Hamstrings to Tighten?

One of the identified factors which cause the hamstrings to tighten is related to genetic factors. It is common to find children and women being more supple than men. People who are not used to taking up proper stretching exercises prior or post their sport activities, are prone to suffer from tight hamstrings. People who have a medical history of back pain are more prone to suffer from this problem. This is because of the lower back problems which may pressurize the sciatic nerve that runs down the legs and eventually causes tightening of the hamstrings. Apart from these causes, even sitting in the same place for longer hours, such as in office, is also a cause in general people. While sitting, the hamstrings do not perform and function and hence are inactive and stay at a shortened length. Older people with sedentary lifestyle, also suffer from this condition when they try to bend down or perform other activities which require both hip flexion with knee extension.

Symptoms

There are no specific symptoms which must tell you that you have a tight hamstring. The very tightness that one feels in the hamstring region is apparent and easily noticeable. A fixed sway back, unable to bend at the hips while keeping legs straight, buttock pain and pain while sitting are the prominent symptoms. There are, as well, complications which may result from this condition; muscle tear being a common one. The hips and pelvis may be rotated back as a result of this problem. This in turn may flatten the lower back, eventually causing back problems. Joint problems and restricted movements are the other complications which may arise.

Treatment

Applying heat to the affected area helps in easing pain and loosen up the tight muscles. Apart from using heat, taking up some dedicated stretching exercises is also one of the recommended treatment methods for taking care of tight hamstrings. These exercises work best when done after warm up exercises. Also, having your legs and hips massaged, encourage the hamstrings to loosen up and reduce the tightness. Strengthening structural weaknesses in the body, when used in conjunction with the stretching exercises also help.

As it can be inferred from the above discussion, frequent instances of tight hamstring may have severe repercussions. So the best way to keep the problem at bay is to inculcate a regular schedule of exercises on a daily basis.