A pulled hamstring can vary in severity from mild pain to severe pain that prevents you from being able to walk or put weight on the leg. You may have heard people say they “pulled a hammy” while participating in sports after they’ve made a sudden change in direction or come to a sudden stop. Typically, a hamstring injury will cause an immediate, sharp pain radiating from the back of the thigh. Some people can also feel a tearing or popping sensation in the affected area. In many cases, a pulled hamstring results in swelling and tenderness in the back of the leg, where the affected muscle is. There may also be bruising or discoloration on the back of the leg. Muscle weakness is a common side effect and in severe cases, weight can’t be put on the leg and the injured person may not be able to walk without experiencing a large amount of pain. At The Orthopedic Group we see pulled hamstring injuries regularly and are able to diagnose the extent of the injury to determine if it is mild and can be treated at home, or if it is more severe and requires more elaborate treatment.