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Pulled hamstring: How long does it take to heal?

How long does it take a pulled hamstring to heal?

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Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Edward Laskowski, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

A pulled hamstring, or any other muscle strain, can take from two to six weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. When a muscle is strained, muscles fibers are stretched or torn. The more muscle fibers that are torn, the more severe the injury. Significant muscle tears may benefit from surgical repair. For mild hamstring strains, treatment may include a combination of rest, gentle stretching of the thigh and hip, and strengthening exercises to restore the health of the muscle and to limit the risk of recurrence.

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Aug 8, 2008