What is hamstring tendonitis?
Hamstring tendonitis is a condition characterized by tissue damage and inflammation to one or more of the hamstring tendons. This occurs at their attachment to the top of the lower leg causing pain in the back of the knee. The hamstring muscles originate from the pelvis and insert into the top of the lower leg bones. The hamstring muscles comprise of 3 muscle bellies: the biceps femoris (outer hamstring) and the semimembranosus and semitendinosus (inner hamstring).The hamstring muscles attach to the outer and inner aspect of the lower leg bones via the hamstring tendons (figure 1). The hamstring muscles are responsible for bending the knee and straightening the hip during activity and are particularly active during running, jumping and kicking. During contraction of the hamstrings, tension is placed through the hamstring tendons. When this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, damage to the hamstring tendons may occur. Hamstring tendonitis is a condition whereb
