Groin Strain
What is a groin strain? A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. The muscles in the groin helps bring the legs together. There are two muscles that may commonly get injured in a groin strain: the adductor magnus (the large muscle running down the inner side of the thigh) and the sartorius (a thinner muscle that starts on the outside of the hip, crosses the thigh and attaches near the inside of the knee).
How does it occur? A groin strain most commonly occurs as an over-use during running or jumping or when there is a forced push-off or cut.
What are the symptoms? Pain or tenderness along the inner side of the thigh or in the groin area. heat, swelling, lose of function and Pain when the legs are brought together.
How is it treated? As in any injury, the immediate treatment is to minimize and limit the amount of inflammation by R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the severity of the injury, hot & cold treatments, Ultrasound and electrotherapy are proven methods to speed recovery. The later stages will involve physical therapy to strengthen, restore full range of motion and elasticity of the damaged tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. Sometimes wearing a supportive bandage called a thigh wrap or taping may help.
How long will the effects last? The length of recovery depends on many factors such as age, health and previous groin injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild groin strain may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer to recover.
When can one return to normal activities?One may safely return to activities when full range of motion and stregnth in the leg on the injured side compared to the leg on the uninjured side, and when there is no swelling or pain.
How can one prevent a groin strain? A groin strain is best prevented by warming up properly and doing groin muscle stretching exercises prior to any activities. This is especially important in activities such as sprinting or jumping.
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