Depending on the amount of tissue damaged, the symptoms can vary. Over 90% of hamstring strains occur abruptly with a tearing, burning, or popping sensation. As a result, immediate pain right below the buttocks can be present. Symptoms are increased with movements that stretch your hamstrings. For example, straightening your leg or flexing forward.
Hamstring injuries are more common when your muscles are tired from activity or if your muscle is overused due to compensation mechanisms that force the hamstring to work harder than it has to. For example, Having weak glutes, quadriceps muscles that are significantly stronger than your hamstrings, or poor core strength can predispose you to hamstring injuries.