This article discusses the anatomy of the hamstring muscles.
It explains the different muscles, their functions, and common hamstring injuries.
It also details treatment for hamstring injuries and how to keep your hamstrings healthy.
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As its name implies, thebiceps femorishas two heads: one long and one short.
The long head of thebiceps femorisattaches to the inner side of your sit bones.
Thebiceps femorisworks to pull your leg behind you, extending the hip joint.
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It is also used to bend your knee and rotate your lower leg from side to side.
Thebiceps femorisis more vulnerable to injury and muscle tears than other hamstrings.
Semitendinosus Hamstring Muscle
Thesemitendinosusis a long hamstring muscle in the middle of the back of the thigh.
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Its main functions are extending and rotating the hip and bending and internally rotating at the knee.
Thesemitendinosusjoins with thesartoriusandgracilismuscles to form thepes anserinetendon on the front and side of the tibia.
It is also connected to the deep fascia of the leg.
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Semimembranosus Hamstring Muscle
Thesemimembranosusis a broad muscle that is a bit tucked away.
It originates at the outer side of the sit bones, higher than the other hamstrings.
It attaches to the shin on the back and side of the medial (inner) tibial condyle.
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Like the other hamstring muscles, it works to extend the hip joint and bend the knees.
It also helps with the internal rotation of the hip and joint.
Hamstring Strains
Ahamstring strainis a pull or tear of muscle fibers.
Strains are typically triggered by muscle overload.
A strain can affect the tissue in the belly of the muscle or where the muscle joins with tendons.
Treatment
Strained hamstring muscles are typically treated at home using non-invasive therapies.
These include:
In some cases, surgery may be needed.
In flatback syndrome, you lose one or both curves.
This happens because the change in angles causes too heavy a load on some discs.
Tight hamstrings can cause this by putting undue strain on the area.
This should include a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, and cardio.
Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, then switch legs.
Repeat two or three times per leg.
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