(HealthDay News) -- The hamstring is a muscle that runs along the back of the thigh. Pulling this muscle can be quite painful.

A simple stretch can help prevent a pulled hamstring if done before and after exercise, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Sit down on the floor and straighten out one leg, and bend your other leg.
• Place the sole of your foot of your bent leg against the inside of your straight leg.
• Leaning forward a little bit, extend your arms and touch the toes of your straight leg.
• Keep your toes pointing upward and your foot and ankle relaxed.
• Hold that position for 30 seconds.
• Switch and perform the stretch on the other leg.