Pain at the Back of Your Leg: Pulled Hamstring or Sciatica?
You were sprinting during a Sunday football match, or rushing for a matatu, and felt a sudden sharp pull at the back of your thigh. Or maybe there was no injury at all, just an ache or burning pain that travels down the back of your leg after sitting. Both feel similar, but they need very different treatment.
Two common causes
1. Hamstring strain (a pulled hamstring). This is one of the most common sports injuries, making up 12–29% of injuries in athletes. It usually happens during sprinting, kicking or a sliding tackle.
Signs include:
- A sudden sharp or pulling pain in the back of the thigh, sometimes with a "pop"
- Bruising or swelling a day or two later
- Pain when walking fast, bending forward or stretching the leg
2. Pain from the back or buttock (sciatica). An irritated nerve in the lower back, or a tight muscle deep in the buttock, can send pain, tingling or numbness down the back of the leg.
Signs include:
- Burning, shooting or electric pain down the leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that is worse with long sitting or bending
- Back or buttock pain as well
Why proper rehab matters
Hamstring injuries come back in more than 30% of people, and a previous injury is the strongest predictor of the next one. Resting until it "feels fine" isn't enough. The muscle needs to be gradually strengthened before you return to full speed.
How physiotherapy helps
We start by finding out exactly where your pain is coming from. At Katasi Physiotherapy, your plan may include:
- Progressive hamstring strengthening, including Nordic hamstring exercises, which can cut injury rates by about half
- Pain-free running and sprint progressions
- Core and pelvic control training
- Nerve-calming exercises and treatment of the lower back for sciatica
- Clear, tested criteria before returning to sport
Book your assessment
Get back on the pitch, and stay there. Book at Katasi Physiotherapy, Mogotio Road off Muthithi Road, Westlands. Call or WhatsApp 0705 717 353.
Sources: Physiopedia – Hamstring Strain, Physiopedia – Disc Herniation
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