According to Dr. Niv Marom, a senior surgeon in the sports unit at Meir Medical Center, an injury to the thigh muscles is actually an injury to the hamstring muscle group, also known as the knee flexor muscles. Common injuries include partial or complete ruptures of the connection between the tendon and the muscle, or injuries to the muscle itself, which are considered relatively minor. More serious cases involve injuries to the tendon itself or its connection to the bone, which may require surgery. In the case of Baldwin, who did not undergo surgery, it can be assumed that his hip injury is in the area between the tendon and the muscle.
Pain from such injuries can occur when the muscle is activated or contracted while bending the knee or stretching the muscle, commonly experienced by basketball players during actions like running, diving, and landing. Treatment for these injuries usually involves physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cold compresses. Physical therapy focuses on gradual strengthening of the injured muscle and nearby muscles. In some cases, biological injections, such as Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), may be used to accelerate recovery, although their effectiveness is not definitive.
During the initial recovery period, scar tissue forms in the injured area, and returning to activity too soon can increase the risk of re-injury. Dr. Marom recommends taking a break from activity for an extended period to allow proper healing of the tissue. To prevent sports injuries, he stresses the importance of warming up before activities, stretching to maintain muscle and tendon flexibility, and strengthening the muscles around the pelvis, hips, and knees. These measures can help reduce the risk of thigh muscle injuries and improve overall athletic performance.