A strain is the tearing or stretching of muscle fibers. When someone strains the groin muscles, they typically are straining the hip adductors (the muscles that bring your legs back towards your midline). The muscles that are most commonly the cause of a groin strain are the sartorius and the adductor magnus. A groin strain is often described as a pulled muscle by the individual. Groin strains often occur when cutting in sports or can occur when running or jumping.
Request AppointmentSymptoms
- Pain and tenderness along the inner side of your thigh or groin
- Pain can occur when the individual lifts up the knee or when bringing the legs together
Diagnosis
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
Treatment
- Rest – do not participate in strenuous exercise that may add to your pain
- Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician
- Use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day
- Exercises recommended by your physical therapist
- When participating in sport, an ace wrap can be worn to support the adductor muscles
Prevention
Stretch properly before exercise.
