In some cases, the hamstring tendon may pull away from the bone, known as an avulsion injury, which requires surgical repair.
KUALA LUMPUR: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup season unfolded across the global football stage, many athletes and recreational players returned to the pitch and placed their bodies under the repeated stress of sprinting, sudden stops and powerful kicks.
While football continued to be one of the most widely played and followed sports in Malaysia, the physical demands of the game increased the risk of injury, especially for those who returned to high-intensity activity without consistent conditioning.
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Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma and Sports Surgeon, Dr Aminudin Mohamed Shamsudin, said hamstring injuries affect an estimated 10 to 30 per cent of sportsmen and account for nearly 35 per cent of all muscle injuries among professional athletes.
He said the hamstring, comprising three muscles located at the back of the thigh and running from the hip to just below the knee, plays a key role in supporting speed, control and stability during a game.
“When these muscles are placed under extreme stress, the muscle fibres can stretch beyond their limit, causing them to strain, partially tear or, in severe cases, completely detach from the bone,” he said in a statement.
According to Dr Aminudin, the muscles acted as the body’s brakes and accelerators during sport by helping to absorb force, control movement and generate power.
Dr Aminudin said hamstring injuries varied in severity, with mild cases involving the disruption of some muscle fibres, with short-lived pain and disability, and return to play typically taking around four to six weeks.
Moderate injuries may involve larger muscle tears, noticeable bruising, and a three-to-four-month recovery, whereas severe injuries result in significant pain, loss of function, and an even longer period away from sport.
In some cases, the hamstring tendon may pull away from the bone, known as an avulsion injury, which requires surgical repair, he added.
Meanwhile, SMCV Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma and Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Maria Shelynn Wong, said children and adolescents aged between 13 and 15 who participated in football, futsal, or any other field sports may also be affected, and the injury they sustain may be different from a typical adult muscle strain.
She explained that during this age, the bones are still growing and the growth plate may be weaker than the surrounding tendons and ligaments, making it more vulnerable to injury during sudden, forceful movement.
Dr Maria noted that in some cases, a sudden, strong pull from the hamstring may injure the growth plate instead of tearing the muscle itself, causing a small piece of bone to be pulled away from the pelvis in an injury known medically as an apophyseal avulsion fracture.
Although such injuries were uncommon and represented only 1.4 to four per cent of all hamstring injuries, Dr Maria said it is important to recognise them because it requires a different assessment approach and need X-rays, CT scans or MRI examinations to confirm the diagnosis.
“Warning signs include a sudden popping or tearing sensation in the buttock or back of the thigh, localised pain and swelling over the sit bone, difficulty walking or straightening the knee, or numbness and tingling down the leg,” shared Dr Maria.
As these signs may point to a serious injury, imaging becomes important to confirm whether there is a fracture. X-rays can help identify bony injuries at the growth plate, while CT or MRI may be needed for further assessment.
From there, doctors can determine the most appropriate recovery plan based on how much the bone has shifted and the patient’s age and level of activity.
She said most cases were treated conservatively through rest and physiotherapy, while surgery was usually reserved for significant displacement or high-level athletes.
Both specialists stressed that athletes should not rush their return to sports, noting that pain could disappear before the hamstring fully regained its strength and function.
They added that early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and structured rehabilitation were crucial in reducing the risk of reinjury and ensuring a safe return to play.
Ultimately, hamstring injuries should not be treated casually when symptoms are severe, persistent, or recurring, as what begins as a pull during play may involve a more serious tear or, in younger athletes, a growth plate injury that requires different assessment and care.
