National Associaltion of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists - Symptom Checker
Biceps Femoris, Semitendonosis, and Semimembranosis
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This is the technical name of the muscle being described. This name may be used to find additional information in any medical resource. Biceps Femoris, Semitendonosis, and Semimembranosis
A group of muscles generally denotes muscles of the same function and may share a common attachment point. Hamstrings
Muscle function, in this definition, is what the muscle could do if it was to contract by itself with the body in anatomical position. This is a general definition of muscle function. For more information on how muscles work together on the body please refer to a physiology or functional anatomy text.

Extend the thigh at the hip and flex the leg at the knee.
A description of where a Myofascial Trigger Point may produce pain in the body. This area is generally located away from the trigger point.

Pain is felt around the area of the gluteal fold (buttock) as well as behind the knee and upper calf.
A description of the symptoms a person may experience with trigger points in the muscle being described.

A person with TrPs in the hamstrings may have difficulty walking due to pain and it may be so severe that they limp from muscular inhibition and compromised hip stability.  Pain is also reported when getting up from a chair, especially if previously sitting with the knees crossed.  Pain from hamstring TrPs may also disrupt sleep.
   

 A list of possible diseases that fit the information derived from examination of a patient.

  1. Since other muscles may refer to the same general area as the hamstrings they must be considered.  These muscles include the obturator internus, piriformis, gluteus medius and minimus, vastus lateralis, popliteus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius. 
  2. Patients may be diagnosed as having sciatica since the pain is local to the sciatic nerve.  NOTE: Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis; its cause should be identified.
  3. Osteoarthritis of the knee.
  4. Other considerations include articular dysfunction especially of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebral segments as well as the sacroiliac joint.

A list of activities or positions that may either CAUSE a trigger point to manifest or PROLONG a pain condition respectively.

  1. Compression from the seat of a chair on the hamstrings will perpetuate pain in these muscles.  Using a foot stool to elevate the heels and the thighs may relieve pressure in this area. 
  2. Patio furniture is compromising if the edge of the seat is made of a metal crossbar and the seat itself is made of a material that

A corrective action is usually a modification of daily routine which will reduce stress on the affected muscle(s) in a person with myofascial trigger points.

  1. Be sure that commonly used chairs are fit to your height. 
  2. Use an angled footrest to prop the feet, thus taking the pressure from the thigh.
  3. When driving long trips use cruise control and change leg position and take frequent breaks to stretch.
 

References : 
Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vol 1, 2nd Ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999.

Travell JG, Simons DG, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, vol 2. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1992.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.  A proper diagnosis should be sought from a licensed health care provider.