The muscle cramp known as a hamstring is an involuntary contraction of the back of the thigh muscles. Occasionally, these cramps occur during a workout and they can be painful. They usually last for a few minutes but can be intense and cause the leg to feel stiff. The hamstring is an essential part of the quadriceps, which helps extend or straighten the knee. Those who have poor flexibility of the hamstring are more prone to pull a hamstring. A person can treat the hamstring cramps with stretching, hot and cold therapy and massage.
The exact cause of muscle cramps is not fully understood but there is a strong genetic component that makes people more prone to developing them. Other factors include dehydration, particularly during exercise when the body loses electrolytes through sweating. A person should be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent this. Stretching is the first line of defense against a hamstring cramp, and this article looks at seven of the best hamstring stretches for those who experience problems with these muscles.
To stretch the hamstrings, lie on the floor or a mat and extend one leg in front of you. Slide the hands down the leg, toward the toes and gently bend forward at the waist until you feel the stretch in the hamstring. This exercise is also a good way to warm up for an exercise session by gradually increasing the heart rate, which improves circulation and reduces the risk of injury.