Groin Pains

Did you know??? A groin strain aka adductor strain is an injury to a group of muscles of the inner thigh. These muscles are responsible for bringing or crossing the leg to the midline like kicking a soccer ball. This injury is common in sports that involve shifting directions quickly, pivoting, and rapidly accelerating. A sudden shift in the opposite direction places a lot of stress and strain on these adductor muscles.  So, think of sports like soccer, basketball or tennis (not limited to these sports, just some of the most common). The severity can range from a minor strain to a tear or rupture. Depending on the severity, this injury could prevent an athlete from playing. A common symptom is a pain in the groining and inner thigh while walking.

Here are some other common symptoms:

1. Sudden onset of pain in the groin area after a particular movement.

2. Swelling followed by bruising of the inner thigh immediately after an injury or event.

3. A feeling of a "popping" sensation of the inner thigh.

Your healthcare provider will determine the severity of the injury based on a graded scale of Grade I, Grade II or Grade III strain. Grades I and II strains are most common. Usually, this injury is treated conservatively and will be managed by your primary care physician or sports medicine chiropractor.

Depending on the severity, with proper management symptoms can resolve between 10-14 days or longer.  

Typically, advanced imaging is not necessary (X-rays usually show negative findings).  In some cases, elite athletes may be referred for an MRI to determine specific muscle location and extent of the injury. An MRI in elite athletes may be used to help determine the most accurate return to play timeframe. In rare cases, of a severe Grade III strain, an individual may be a candidate for surgery and would need to consult with an orthopedic specialist.

While not always a severe injury, unfortunately, premature return to play can cause this to be a reoccurring injury.

Proper stretching of the muscles surrounding the hip, thigh and knee is essential in preventing this injury.

Consult with your primary care physician or sports medicine chiropractor for proper evaluation, proper diagnosis, and to rule out other possible injuries.