[HAMSTRING STRAIN INJURIES IN SPORTSMEN].

INTRODUCTION: Acute hamstring strain injuries are common in sports that involve sprinting, kicking, jumping or high-speed skilled movements. Despite increased knowledge of hamstring muscle injuries, the incidence has not diminished. It is generally believed that they happen during the terminal swing phase of the gait cycle. Most hamstring injuries occur along the proximal musculo-tendon junction, where the muscle fibrils intersect with the tendon, but may occur anywhere between the origin and the insertion. A number of potential risk factors have been proposed for hamstring strain, among them fatigue, lack of flexibility, imbalance of muscular strength with a low hamstring to quadriceps ratio, and insufficient warm-up. Certain types of hamstring injuries are more likely to require prolonged rehabilitation and delayed return to play. An emphasis on neuro-muscular control and eccentric strengthening of the involved muscles is suggested for the successful return to sport after injury.