1. Recognize a Pulled Groin
The groin is the area where the legs meet the pelvis. When you overstretch one of the muscles that connect the bones of the legs and pelvis, you have a pulled groin. Generally, this occurs if you're involved in sports like skating, soccer or gymnastics, or even when swimming, due to some types of repetitive leg motion. While there are several different injuries that occur in the groin region, a strained muscle is easily recognizable by the sharp pain in your groin or the adductor muscles on the inside part of your thigh. You may not be able to bring your legs together and may see swelling. If you experience a gradual, rather than sudden, onset of pain and swelling, or if these symptoms persist, you should always consult your physician, as it's possible you have something more serious, such as a hernia or a fracture.
There are three grades used to define a groin pull:
Grade 1: Mild discomfort, may be a little tenderness where the pull occurred, but without noticeable swelling.
Grade 2: More discomfort, some swelling and possibly some bruising. You may not be able to do any running or jumping for a while.
Grade 3: Painful when walking. You may also experience muscle spasms, swelling and significant bruising. If you suspect you have a grade 3 groin pull, you should call your doctor.
2. Treat a Pulled Groin
As with so many sports-type injuries, your first response to a groin pull should be the PRICE plan: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Put your feet up and place an ice pack on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times per day for the first 48 to 72 hours. You can continue activities that don't cause pain, including gently stretching the muscle. Anti-inflammatory medication, including ibuprofen and naproxen, will help control your pain and reduce inflammation, a process that can be damaging if not addressed.
If you are very active, see a physical therapist. Modalities such as ultrasound or manual techniques might take care of some of your pain and swelling, and the therapist can help you design a personalized exercise program that will get you back on your feet.
If you follow these guidelines, but the swelling and pain don't improve, call your physician. You may have more than one type of injury.
3. Prevent a Pulled Groin
Age, fatigue, gender and lifestyle are all factors that can make you more vulnerable to chronic muscle strains, including a pulled groin muscle. You can't change some of those factors, but you can get adequate rest and maintain strength and flexibility through a regular program of stretching and strengthening. Always warm up before starting an activity, especially if it's a high-risk sport like soccer or skating. If you're new to an activity, start slowly. Don't overdo--that becomes a muscle pull just waiting to happen.
