What Is a Groin
(Adductor) Injury?
The adductors are fan-like muscles in the upper thigh that pull the legs
together when they contract. The adductors attach the lower inner aspect of
the pelvis to the inner aspect of the femur bone. Some adductors attach as
far down as the knee. The adductors also help stabilize the hip joint. The
most common cause of groin pain is a muscle strain. A strained adductor
muscle causes localized pain in the inner thigh, or over the pubis bone. A
severe tear causes a sudden, acute pain and often occurs during a sudden
change of direction while running.
What Causes A Groin
Pull?
The most common cause of a groin strain occurs when a muscle is stretched
too far or meets an unexpected opposing force.
This can result from the quick starts and stops of kicking and
running sports. These injuries are especially common in soccer but are also
seen in racket sports, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and football. Common
symptoms are acute pain, swelling, and, occasionally, bruising of the inner
thigh.
What Is The
Treatment For A Groin Pull?
For immediate relief, follow the R.I.C.E. treatment plan. Rest, Ice,
Compression and elevation are the best immediate treatment for all pulls and
strains. Avoid aggravating activities for the first 1 to 2 weeks. 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.
When inflammation subsides, you can start a stretching
program. A strengthening program consisting initially of low-intensity
exercises should be started after the stretching phase.
How Can I Prevent A
Groin Pull?
Proper warm up and stretching is key to injury
prevention. Stretch the Adductors by sitting with the soles of the feet
together and gently press knees to the floor until stretch is felt on the
inner thighs.
