Groin muscle discomfort can make it difficult to finish your exercise routine -- or other daily activities, like squatting or sitting. Discomfort in the groin area can be more than just frustrating, it can be a symptom of a dangerous injury or condition. Therefore, it is important to understand what causes groin muscle discomfort while exercising and how it can be treated and prevented.
Symptoms
A variety of symptoms can accompany groin muscle discomfort. You can notice tenderness or pain in the groin, stiffness, bruising, weakness, redness, tenderness and difficultly moving. In some situations, such as when a muscle tears during exercise, you can hear a snapping or popping sound as the injury occurs. In addition, a bulge can sometimes form in the pubic area. This bulge is usually more noticeable if you strain yourself or stand up straight.
Causes
Groin discomfort during exercise can be caused by groin strain, where you stretch or stress the adductor muscles -- the inner hip muscles -- while exercising. You can also develop pain if you overuse your muscles by exercising out too hard or not taking breaks between workouts. In addition, muscle sprains or strains can occur while exercising, especially if you suddenly twist or do not warm up properly. Groin discomfort can also be the result of a hernia, where organs or tissue in the abdomen protrude through a tear or weakness in the abdominal wall.
Treatments
To treat groin muscle discomfort, stop whatever exercise was causing the pain. Hold an ice pack to the groin area for about 20 minutes four times a day. Wrap the ice in a towel instead of applying it directly to your skin. Apply a topical medicated cream to soothe pain or take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Wrap your upper thigh with a compression bandage to help reduce any swelling or discomfort. A hernia or severe sprain will need to be surgically repaired by a doctor.
Prevention
Prevent groin muscle discomfort during exercise by warming up and stretching the inner hip muscles as well as your legs. This will help raise the temperature of your muscles, making them more durable, pliable and more resistant to discomfort and injury. Ask a doctor or fitness instructor if you are doing exercises correctly. Improper form can lead to muscle discomfort and injury. If you lift weights or other heavy objects while exercising, bend at your knees, not your waist.
Member Comments