Common diseases
The hemi-tendon muscle can be affected by damage to the sciatic nerve (“sciatic nerve”). The nerve that supplies it (tibial nerve) originates from the sciatic nerve. If there is serious damage, the entire ischio-crucial musculature on the back of the thigh can fail.
As a result, the anterior thigh muscles of the opponents are missing and painful hyperextension of the knee joint by the M. quadriceps femoris can occur. In addition, athletes may suffer the typical muscle injuries such as pulled muscles, torn muscle fibers or complete muscle rupture due to overloading. (Tendon) irritation can also occur.
No disease but nevertheless an important clinical significance has the muscle in the treatment of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. In so-called “cruciate ligament plastics”, the most frequently performed cruciate ligament operation, the tendon of the half-tendon muscle is completely removed (rarely also those of other muscles). It is then “folded” several times and used as a stable cruciate ligament replacement in the knee.
Strengthening and stretching
In principle, all exercises in which the stretching of the leg is intensified and thus the extensor group on the back of the thigh is stretched are suitable for stretching the half tendon muscle. Classically, the athlete achieves this by trying to reach the toes with the fingertips when the legs are stretched and the back is as straight as possible. This stretching exercise is often perceived as very unpleasant and should not be exaggerated!
A strengthening of the muscle can be done in a gym on specially designed machines. All exercises in which the knee joint is flexed (if necessary also with a counterweight) strengthen the semi-tendon muscle. (Sog. “leg bicepscurls”)
