Top 10 NFL players to recently develop hamstring injuries

What is a hamstring injury?

A hamstring injury is also known as a hamstring strain. Hamstring strains are painful and happen frequently to athletes of all types. Three sets of muscles along the back of the thigh make up the hamstring. Our hamstrings are what enable us to bend our legs and knees.
When a hamstring injury occurs, some of the muscles are stretched too far; they might even begin to tear.

Top 10 NFL players to recently develop hamstring injuries

1. Chansi Stuckey(notes), a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, causing him to miss Week 4 vs. the N.Y. Giants.
2. Beanie Wells(notes), a running back for the Cardinals.
3. Knowshon Moreno(notes), a running back for the Denver Broncos.
4. Miles Austin(notes), a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, causing him to miss Week 4 vs. the Detroit Lions.
5. Kassim Osgood(notes), a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, missed Week 4 vs. the New Orleans Saints due to his hamstring injury.
6. Daniel Thomas(notes), a running back for the Miami Dolphins, missed Week 4 vs. the Chargers at San Diego.
7. Anthony Armstrong(notes), a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, missed Week 4 at St. Louis because of his hamstring injury.
8. Carnell Williams(notes), a running back for the St. Louis Rams.
9. Quentin Jammer(notes), a corner back for the San Diego Chargers, missed Week 4 vs. the Miami Dolphins.
10. Chris Carter, a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, missed Week 4 at Houston due to his hamstring injury. 

Preventing hamstring injuries
 
To prevent hamstring strains, always warm up and stretch before and after engaging in athletic activities. Gradually increasing the intensity of your physical activity also helps prevent strains. It is advisable not to increase physical activity by more than 10 percent each week. If pain is felt in the back of the thigh, where the hamstring muscles are, you should stop exercising.
How are hamstring strains treated?
Injured hamstrings are treated with RICE and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. RICE entails the following:
* Resting the injured leg and avoiding weight to it, crutches are sometimes used.
* Ice on the leg for 30 minutes at a time, to decrease swelling and pain.
* Compress the leg with an elasticated bandage.
* Elevate the leg during periods of lying or sitting down.
When the hamstring muscle is torn, surgery may be required. During surgery the muscles are repaired and reattached.

Recovering from a hamstring strain

How long it takes the hamstring to heal depends on the severity of the injury. While the hamstring muscle is healing, it is advisable to strengthen the muscle with activities different from what you are use to doing. Runners may try swimming, while football players may try walking. Attempting to return to normal activity levels should be postponed until the following take place:
* Moving your injured leg is as easy as moving your non-injured leg.
* Both legs feel equally strong.
* There is no pain in your leg upon walking, jogging or jumping.
If normal activity is resumed too quickly, re-injury of the hamstring can develop, causing lasting muscle weakness.