Health Tip: Stretch Your Hamstrings
The hamstring is a muscle that runs along the back of the thigh. Pulling this muscle can be quite painful.
A simple stretch can help prevent a pulled hamstring if done before and after exercise, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
- Sit down on the floor and straighten out one leg, and bend your other leg.
- Place the sole of your foot of your bent leg against the inside of your straight leg.
- Leaning forward a little bit, extend your arms and touch the toes of your straight leg.
- Keep your toes pointing upward and your foot and ankle relaxed.
- Hold that position for 30 seconds.
- Switch and perform the stretch on the other leg.
Health Tip: Straining the Hamstring
A hamstring injury can sideline an athlete or exercise buff for quite a while.
While anyone can pull a hamstring, some people are at greater risk of the injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list:
- Young athletes who are still maturing.
- Many professional athletes, including runners, football players, skaters and soccer players.
- People who run or sprint for exercise.
- Dancers.
- Seniors who play sports or who take frequent walks.
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