Physiotherapy doctor assisting elderly patient with leg exercise in clinic
Individuals dealing with pain in the buttocks and in the back of the thigh, along with numbness and tingling down to the bottom of the foot, may be experiencing hamstring syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. What is the recommended treatment?
Table of Contents
The hamstrings are three muscles in the back of the thigh, extending from the pelvis or upper thigh across the back of the knee to the leg. This muscle group is important for bending the knee, straightening the hip, and stabilizing the knee. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the legs. It usually passes near or through these muscles, and the pelvis then runs under these muscles in the thigh. Hamstring syndrome refers to pain in the buttock and back of the thigh, often radiating down the leg, caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve at the hamstring-insertion point on the ischial tuberosity, typically due to tight or scarred tissue. (Sakari Orava, 1997)
The pain is primarily felt in the buttock and back of the thigh, sometimes extending down the leg. It’s characterized by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttock and into the back of the thigh, where it supplies the hamstring muscles. (Kaiser Permanente, 2024)
This pressure can occur due to: (Sakari Orava, 1997) (Kaiser Permanente, 2024)
It’s important to differentiate hamstring syndrome from other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, including:
Hamstring syndrome relief may consist of the following:
Talk to a healthcare provider about what interventions would help the most. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Orava, Sakari. (1997). Hamstring syndrome. Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, 5(3). doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S1060-1872(97)80035-4.
Kaiser Permanente. (2024). Hamstring Syndrome: Care Instructions. healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.hamstring-syndrome-care-instructions.abr3618
Puranen, J., & Orava, S. (1988). The hamstring syndrome. A new diagnosis of gluteal sciatic pain. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 16(5), 517–521. doi.org/10.1177/036354658801600515
Zion Physical Therapy. (2023). Hamstring Tendinitis Vs. Hamstring Syndrome. www.zionpt.com/post/hamstring-tendinitis-vs-hamstring-syndrome
Lower Limb Surgery. (2024). Hamstring Syndrome. www.lowerlimbsurgery.com/hamstring syndrome#:~:text=General%20Treatment%20Considerations,%E2%80%8B
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The information herein on "Hamstring Syndrome Relief for Painful Muscles" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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