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Our daughter appears to have injured her left hamstring during cheer squad practice. Should we ask for an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or what? We are not really sure how bad it is or what to do about it.
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Hamstring injuries are fairly common among athletes, including dancers and cheerleaders. Pain, swelling, and bleeding into the muscle can take some time to resolve. The usual advice to apply ice, compression, elevation, and rest are helpful in the first 24 to 48 hours. Gentle movement (no stretching!) is advised after that.
Knowing the full extent of the injury (location and severity) can help in planning treatment and rehab. X-rays are not needed unless there is some suspicion of bone injury. MRIs have been shown to be helpful but studies show that the majority of MRIs do not show any abnormalities after mild to moderate injuries. The added cost of MRIs might be a consideration.
Usually the clinical exam performed by the physician or physical therapist is enough to provide a fairly accurate prediction of recovery time. The player's response to treatment also aids in progressing the rehab program. The physical therapist starts with controlling symptoms and facilitating healing. Eventually the athlete is moved through stretching and strengthening. The rehab program is individualized for the type of movement and activities the athlete is involved in.
MRIs do have some important prognostic value. Hamstring injuries involving the central tendon take much longer to heal. The central tendon runs down the center of the muscle for the full length of the hamstrings. The reason this tendinous portion of the muscle is important is because injury to this area often means a longer, slower recovery.
MRIs can help identify this type of injury early, which in turn, can help direct treatment and return-to-sports accordingly. Central tendon disruption can be seen on MRIs and is considered a new prognostic sign. If she has not been seen by an orthopedic surgeon, now might be a good time to have an evaluation and find out the full extent of the injury so she can get the best treatment possible.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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