High Hamstring Tendinopathy (Tendinitis) Stage 1

It is likely the buttock or upper leg pain you are experiencing is due to an upper hamstring tendinitis or tendinopathy.

The hamstrings (the muscles that run up the back of the leg from the knee to the buttock) play an important role in running, but can be easily strained, particularly at the top of the muscle.

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

High Hamstring Tendinopathy (Tendinitis) Stage 1

  • Cut running to a minimum, or stop and cross train, and then make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing running again (video).
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ and ‘OPTIONAL’ video advice below.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
  • Also, check our Low back warning signs page.
  • Run only on flat, even surfaces.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Acupuncture can be helpful.
  • Perform the RICE procedure 3-4 times per day for the first few days (see videos below).
  • When things start to settle, you can then go on to stage 2 of rehabilitation.

Attention!

High Hamstring Tendinopathy (tendinitis) can become chronic and difficult to treat if you try to run through the pain.

It is important to be careful, and rest well.