For the Runner/exercising Moms - Stupid Hamstring!

I pulled my hamstring while waterskiing a year ago last August (literally felt it POP). I was stubborn and didn't go to the doctor, even though it caused me to limp and a bruise the size of a grapefruit! I started out slowly on the bike, some elliptical, no running. I'd say it took well over a month for the bruise to go away, and the area was tender for a very long time. I don't really think that a doctor could have some something to ease the recovery (except for peace of mind that I wasn't gimped out forever).
ICE ICE. Mortrin or Tylenol. No jogging. I'm not a true 'jogger' - I do it for exercise but have yet to feel the runner's high! But I was about a 5.5/6 mile on the treadmill. Now I'm training for a 5 and 10K, and I'm not in the groove I was before. It's a long haul. DON'T feel stupid for going in for a pulled hammy. Maybe physical therapy or a nice sports massage would help!

Hamstrings take months to heal. I pulled one during gymnastics in college and was out of commision for the rest of the quarter. I would only do light exercises that do not stretch the hamstring at all.

Physical Therapy.

I've torn all the ligaments and tendons in both ankles, my knees are perm. screwed up (the tendons and ligs are too loose, I have to use the musculature of my legs to hold them together), and my hips dislocate. I spent 2 years in PT in highschool, and still do the exercises for myself every day.

Low and behold, I screwed up my back for the 2nd time *ever*. First 18mo ago was a fluke, but when it repeated, I headed over for PT. OMG.... I'd forgotten how absolutely *wonderful* those people are. Knowing what the "right" things are to do to heal, has brought this injury under control sooooo much faster. I went, for the same reason you're asking: I don't know how to take care of a back injury (leg injuries I'm good with). In 2 appointments, I am sooo much better, and I am projected to only need about 8 more. When I was in PT for 2 years, it was because of 10 YEARS of injury piled on injury. This time, I'm an adult, and so am taking care of myself. And doing it in the best way possible.

OMG! I ran track and still run, but an injury does not go away overnight! I would stop running for a week until it does not hurt running anymore. You are just going to end up reinjury or cause a new injury!

Have you tried a foam roller? use it on your hammy, and gluteus. they are very connected.. If my hamstrings are tight my glutes and back hurt.

A chiropractor can do wonders. I never went to one until I started running and didn't really think it would help. BUT, it did. My hips were very out of line and caused me to overuse one leg and I was having a lot of pain. After a few adjustments I was fine.

I had an IT band issue last winter, I really had to do nothing at all for 2-3 weeks. Maybe try resting fully for a week or two (meaning no exercising the lower body at all except normal daily activity). I know that is frustrating when you are used to be active on a daily basis..but it may just need more time heal.

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/leg_injuries/a/thigh2.htm