The groin muscles, or adductors, are located on the inside of the thighs and work to bring the thighs together. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, when muscles are overstretched, microtears occur in the muscle fibers, which is often referred to as a pull or strain. Groin strains are rated by severity on a scale of 1 to 3 and are usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and weakness. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that these injuries are common in certain athletes, including cross-country skiers, hurdlers, hockey players and especially soccer players. The AAOS suggests "RICE," or rest, compression, ice and elevation, as the treatment of choice for muscle strains.
Rest
Resting the leg with the groin pull is recommended, and activities leading to the injury should be avoided. For severe Grade 3 strains, a physician may suggest crutches to reduce weight-bearing on the affected leg.
Ice
Cold helps to reduce inflammation in acute orthopaedic injuries and takes the edge off pain. The AAOS suggests applying cold packs to the affected groin muscle multiple times a day for 20 minutes at a time, using a thin layer of towel or other material between the ice and the skin.
Compression
Compression is another effective way to combat swelling, which often serves as a serious impediment to healing. Wrapping an elastic bandage such as ACE around the affected muscle helps to prevent additional swelling when the patient is upright.
Elevation
Elevating the affected leg while sitting or lying down helps to prevent inflammation during rest. For maximum benefit, the injured thigh should be raised above the level of the heart.
Strengthening
Once the acute swelling and pain subsides, it's important to strengthen the injured groin muscle. According to a 1999 study in The Lancet, actively training the affected adductor muscle led to a pain-free return to sports in signifcantly more subjects than the treatment plan lacking an active exercise component. Sport-specific training exercises, weight training, balance, and range of motion and activities should all be incorporated.
Eliminate Biomechanical Issues
Biomechanical problems in the lower body, such as gait abnormalities, muscle imbalances, and excessive foot motion should be solved, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. These faulty biomechanics may well have contributed to the groin strain, and addressing them can help prevent re-injury.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Strains in the Thigh
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Groin Injuries in Athletes
- "Effectiveness of active physical training as treatment for long-standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes: randomised trial;" The Lancet; Dr Per Hölmich MT , Pernille Uhrskou PT, Lisbeth Ulnits PT, Inge-Lis Kanstrup DMedSci, Michael Bachmann Nielsen PDMedSci, Anders Munch Bjerg MS, Kim Krogsgaard
