Hamstring Injury

Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose your hamstring injury based on the symptoms you report. They may test the tenderness and examine the swelling and bruising around your hamstring. Sometimes they may order a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI).

What healthcare providers diagnose hamstring injuries?

Your primary healthcare provider can diagnose a hamstring injury, talk to you about how to treat it and let you know when you can return to your normal activities. They might also refer you to a physiotherapist, sports medicine specialist or orthopedic (bone) healthcare provider if you need special help.

What questions might a healthcare provider help to diagnose a hamstring injury?

It’s helpful to be prepared to answer questions your healthcare provider may ask. Possible questions include:

What symptoms are you experiencing?
Are you in pain?
Where is the pain located?
When did the injury occur?
What were you doing when you were injured?
What medications do you take?

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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