The adductors are fan-like muscles in the upper thigh that pull the legs together when they contract. They also help stabilize the hip joint. The adductors attach from the pelvis to the femur (thigh bone).
Watch a Video: What Happens When You Pull a Groin Muscle?
The most common cause of groin pain is a muscle strain that causes localized pain in the inner thigh, or groin. A severe tear can cause a sudden, acute pain and may be accompanied by swelling and bruising. They are painful to the touch, and pain increases with resistance movements, and stretching of the inner thigh and hamstrings.
These injuries often occur during a sudden change of direction while running and quick starts and stops. These injuries are especially common in field or court sports.
Is It a Groin Pull or a Hernia?
The symptoms of sports hernia are sometimes mistaken for a a groin pull or strain. A dull aching pain that intensifies with exercise may be the only symptom of an sports hernia. An inguinal hernia, however, typically creates a bulging protrusion in the lower abdomen or upper groin that is hard to miss. If you suspect a hernia, a visit to your physician is the next step.Treating a Groin Pull
For immediate relief of a groin pull, use the R.I.C.E. treatment method. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the best immediate treatment for pulls and strains. Avoid aggravating activities for the first one to two weeks and gradually return to sports.Once activity is started again, ice the muscle after exercise to reduce any swelling. After applying the ice, wrap the thigh to keep it compressed.
An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation for up to a week after the injury.
When inflammation subsides, you can start with gentle groin stretching and progress to a strengthening program of low-intensity exercises.
Running may be started during recovery, but it should be gentle, gradual and not include hill or sprint work. Pay attention to signs of pain or increased tenderness, and reduce exercise if any develops. Stretch gently and never force a stretch. A return to activity should be possible within two or three weeks.
Preventing a Groin Pull
Proper warm up and stretching is helpful to prevent groin pulls.Recommended Groin and Hip Stretches
- Groin Stretching Series
- Standing Groin Stretch
- Seated Groin and Inner Thigh Stretch
- Hip Flexor Stretch
Additionally, gradually increasing time, and intensity of activity can prevent overuse and trauma to the working muscles. Muscle strength, and proper biomechanics during activity can also reduce the risk of muscle strains.
Source
Nicholas SJ, Tyler TF. Adductor muscle strains in sport. Sports Med. 2002;32(5):339-44.
Macintyre J, Johson C, Schroeder EL., Groin pain in athletes. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2006 Dec;5(6):293-9. Review.
Lynch SA, Renstrom PA.
Groin injuries in sport: treatment strategies.
Sports Med. 1999 Aug;28(2):137-44.
