Which of the following best describes a grade 3 hamstring strain?

• A. Complete tear of the muscle
• B. Slight pain with activation
• C. Tightness with full recovery
• D. No swelling or bleeding

Answer: (A)

Grade 3 hamstring strain is a complete tear of the muscle fibers. This is the most severe end of the spectrum, typically with a sudden sharp pain at injury, a possible palpable gap, swelling and bruising, and marked weakness that makes active knee flexion or hip extension difficult or impossible. The statement describing a complete tear matches this severity perfectly. The other descriptions fit milder strains or unrealistic signs for a full rupture (for example, only slight pain with activation suggests a minor strain, and no swelling or bleeding isn’t consistent with a complete tear).