Please help! Hamstring Injury?

fitfor26

Hi all, I am hoping you can offer my some advice in regards to my recently diagnosed hamstring injury.

In late July/August I pulled my hamstring while sprinting to first base at a softball game. When I came to an abrupt stop my hamstring hurt so Im pretty sure this is the cause of the pull. I didn't experience any severe pain afterwards but in the time following my left leg, back of thigh has become increasingly painful.

In the past few weeks it has become excruciating getting in and out of my car, going from sitting to standing, and when I lie on my back with my knees bent to do crunches or bench press it kills. I am a regular spinner but this doesn't hurt -- only when mounting and dismounting the bike. My foot has become numb and tingly and I experience tingling in the calf as well.

Today I finally went to the doctor because the pain is affecting my life now. He overruled this because the pain doesn't really shoot down from my lower back and seems localized in the back of my hamstring. He prescribed me muscle relaxants and rest.

What can I do to help heal this as quickly as possible? Should I apply heat or ice since the injury is now "old" and there isn't really any swelling or bruising (nor was there ever..) The thought of not being able to spin absolutely KILLS me. Should I be stretching the hamstring or leave it alone?

Thank you!

fitfor26

Also will the muscle relaxants actually help resolve the issue be releasing tension? My doctor wasn't really very informative. Canadian health care.. you get what you pay for I guess.

southerndream24

Did you go to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine?