Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a groin strain

by Marguerite Kub Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Rest the area and avoid activities that cause pain. For the first day or two, put an ice pack on the area 3–4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Put a towel between the ice and the skin to protect it from the cold. Use an elastic wrap to help support the groin and keep the swelling down.

How to speed up recovery from a groin strain?

Speed up healing process?

  • ICE ICE ICE. No heat, will draw blood flow and increase swelling and stunt recovery.
  • ICE first three days then Heat.
  • Only Heat as your adductors need bloodflow to heal.

What are the best exercises for a groin strain?

The 4 Best Stretching Exercises to Ease Groin Pain

  • Standing Groin Stretch Exercise. Stand with your legs wide apart. ...
  • Seated Groin Stretch. This simple stretch, sometimes called the butterfly stretch, stretches the groin and inner thigh. ...
  • Squatting Groin Stretch. This is a slightly more advanced groin stretch that intensifies the exercise by stretching both sides at once.
  • Hip Opener and Groin Stretch. ...

What is the recovery time for groin strain?

There are three grades of groin strains, depending on the severity of the injury:

  • Grade 1 Groin Strain – Mild pain with little to no loss of movement or strength. Recovery typically takes two to three weeks.
  • Grade 2 Groin Strain – Modern pain with mild to moderate loss of movement or strength; some tissue damage. ...
  • Grade 3 Groin Strain – Severe pain with severe loss of movement, strength, and function; a complete tear of the muscle. ...

How do you treat a groin strain?

Daniell and Nielsen took the first set 6-2, but play was hampered, when Sitak suffered a groin injury. The 35-year-old needed treatment at the end of the first set, but was unable to continue into a second and retired hurt. The win sees Daniell and Nielsen ...

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How do you know if you have pulled your groin?

Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thigh.Pain when you bring your legs together.Pain when you raise your knee.A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain.

How long does it take for a strained groin muscle to heal?

If you have a bad strain, you may walk with a limp while it heals. Rest and other home care can help the muscle heal. Healing can take up to 3 weeks or more. Your doctor may want to see you again in 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the fastest way to heal a pulled groin?

Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, is a proven method for reducing pain and inflammation in the soft tissues. Cold reduces inflammation, which can help with pain and support a quicker recovery. In fact, the faster you can apply cold to the injured area, the quicker your groin strain recovery may be.

Is walking good for groin strain?

Immediately following your consultation, your physical therapist may advise you to: Rest the area by avoiding walking or any activity that causes pain. Crutches may be recommended to reduce further strain on the muscles when walking. Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours.

How do I know if my groin pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:Groin pain associated with back, abdomen or chest pain.Sudden, severe testicle pain.Testicle pain and swelling accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or blood in the urine.

Where is groin pain located?

Groin pain refers to discomfort in the area where the abdomen ends and the legs begin. This article focuses on groin pain in men. The terms "groin" and "testicle" are sometimes used interchangeably. But what causes pain in one area does not always cause pain in the other.

Can a woman pull a groin muscle?

Most common cause of groin pain for females A “groin strain” usually refers to torn or overstretched adductor muscles, which are located on the inside of the thigh. These types of groin injuries are usually the result of overuse or overexertion and are common among physically active people.

Should you massage a pulled groin muscle?

During the rehab of both acute and chronic groin strain, physical therapy is integral to optimal recovery. Remedial massage releases tension in the muscle, reduces swelling, relaxes muscle spasms, stimulates blood circulation and realigns the muscle fibres to promote healing.

Is Deep heat good for groin strain?

After the initial swelling and inflammation has subsided, some people like to apply therapeutic heat. This can help loosen up stiff muscles and increase range of motion. Massage is another popular method for reducing tension in the groin muscles while recovering from a pull or tear.

Why won't my groin pain go away?

See a doctor if you have significant pain in your groin that's not getting better with at-home treatment, which includes taking a break from activity. Your doctor or physical therapist will ask about your symptoms and the possible cause of your injury.

How should I sleep with groin pain?

If on the other hand you are experiencing hip and/or groin pain then you may choose to sleep with a pillow beneath your thighs in side laying to allow your hip to remain aligned during your sleep and reduce the amount of load on the outer thigh and hip.

How to stop groin pain?

Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in your groin or the inside of your thigh. Do regular strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles, especially if you've had a groin pull before. Groin injuries can result from added stress due to weakness elsewhere.

What does it mean when your groin is pulled?

A groin pull -- or groin strain -- results from putting too much stress on muscles in your groin and thigh. If these muscles are tensed too forcefully or too suddenly, they can get over-stretched or torn. Groin pulls are common in people who play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. In particular, suddenly jumping or changing direction ...

How long does it take for a groin pull to heal?

But there's no easy answer. Recovery time depends on how serious your groin pull is. It may take 4 to 6 weeks, but that's just a rough estimate. People heal at different rates. In the meantime, switch to a new activity that won't put too much stress on your groin muscles. For instance, runners could try swimming.

How to tell if you have a groin pull?

Here are some symptoms of a groin pull: Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thigh. Pain when you bring your legs together. Pain when you raise your knee. A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain. Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity:

What causes groin pulls?

Groin pulls are common in people who play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. In particular, suddenly jumping or changing direction is a likely cause. Groin pulls often appear in people who play soccer and football, and they make up about 10% of all injuries in professional hockey players.

What is the 3rd degree of groin pull?

3rd degree: Severe pain, severe loss of strength and function due to a complete tear of the muscle. To diagnose a groin pull, your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. Tests like X-rays and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed to rule out other problems.

What is the best medicine for swelling?

Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), like ibuprofen and naproxen, will help with pain and swelling. But studies show their effects are controversial especially if taken long-term.

How long does it take for a groin strain to heal?

Groin strain should be treated quickly, ideally in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. This is to reduce swelling and bleeding and to ease pain in the area. A person will often be advised to rest their leg. Staying still and trying not to walk or exercise may help to stop the injury getting worse.

What is the grade of groin strain?

Groin strains are graded with numbers 1 to 3, depending on how serious the injury is: Grade 1 causes some pain and tenderness, but the stretch or muscle tear is minor. Grade 2 causes pain, tenderness, weakness, and sometimes bruising. Grade 3 is a severe tear of the muscle, causing bruising and a lot of pain.

How do you know if you have a groin strain?

The main symptoms of groin strain are pain and tenderness in the area. Other symptoms include: bruising or swelling of the inner thigh. pain when a person raises their knee. pain when a person closes or opens their legs. the groin or inner thigh may feel warmer than usual. muscles feel weak or tight.

What does it feel like to have a groin pain?

the groin or inner thigh may feel warmer than usual. muscles feel weak or tight. limping or difficulty moving the leg. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. The pain will often be worse when walking or moving the leg. A person may also experience spasms in the inner thigh muscles.

How to help a thigh ache?

Over-the-counter painkillers can be taken to help relieve any discomfort. A physical therapist can put together a treatment program to help with recovery.

How to avoid injury to the body?

Warming up the muscles with stretches or light exercise before sport or physical activity can help avoid damage to the body. Keep to the same amount of exercise, rather than taking part in intense activity now and then. Professional athletes usually train throughout the year to maintain their fitness.

How long does it take to recover from a grade 1 strain?

Grade 1 strains will take 1 to 2 weeks of rest before a person can return to exercise. Normal movement, such as walking, should be possible within a few days.

What to take for groin pain?

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen can ease the pain and swelling associated with your groin strain. NSAIDs shouldn’t be taken for an extended period of time so be sure to talk to your doctor if your groin strain symptoms last for more than a week.

How to stop groin pain?

Never exercise if you feel any pain or tightness in your groin or the inside of your thigh. If you experience any pain in the middle of exercising, stop. Regularly perform strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles.

What is a groin pull?

A groin strain or groin pull is the result of putting too much stress on the muscles in your groin and thigh area. If these muscles are tended either too forcefully, too suddenly, or both, they can overstretch or tear.

How to do a straight leg raise?

To perform a straight leg raise, lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. On your injured side, bend your knee and place your foot flat on the floor. Tighten the thigh muscle on your uninjured side and left your leg a few inches off of the floor.

How long does it take to recover from a groin strain?

Recovery typically takes two to three weeks. Grade 2 Groin Strain – Modern pain with mild to moderate loss of movement or strength; some tissue damage.

How to avoid muscle strains?

Luckily, with a little effort, you can avoid them. Always warm up before exercising, especially your groin and leg muscles. Going for a light job before moving on to other serious forms of exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of muscle strains. Don’t jump right into an intense exercise regimen.

What causes groin strains?

Groin strains are common amongst athletes or anyone who participates in sports that involve jumping or running since the injury is often caused by a sudden change in direction (fun fact: 10 percent of injuries amongst professional hockey players are groin strains!). But what exactly is a groin strain?

How to treat a groin injury?

To treat a groin injury, apply ice to the area as soon as possible to reduce the swelling. Continue to apply ice for 15 minute intervals every 2 hours for the first 48 hours after the injury. Additionally, take painkillers, like ibuprofen or aspirin, to manage the pain.

How to stretch your groin?

Perform a simple stretch that targets the groin area before and after you work out or participate in sports. Sit on the floor with your back gently against the wall. Place the bottoms of your feet together and pull your feet in toward your groin. Gently and slowly move your knees toward the floor.

What causes pain in the buttocks and lower abdomen?

A sports hernia is indicated by pain in the lower abdomen and groin, pain when coughing or sneezing, and continuing groin pain that flares up when you are active. Stress fractures in your femur or pubic bone may cause pain in the groin and spread to your buttocks.

What causes pain in the inner thigh?

The inner thigh pain caused by a groin injury can range from mild to severe, and can happen to anyone at any age. The pain results from a tear or rupture of any one of five muscles that run along the inner thigh, attaching to the pelvic bone at the upper end, and just above the knee area at the other.

What does it feel like to have a groin strain?

The symptoms commonly seen with a groin strain or injury include feelings of tightness or cramping, sudden or sharp pain, and pain when the muscle is either contracted or stretched. Severe injuries can include extreme pain even when just walking.

How long does it take to recover from a groin injury?

More severe injuries require at least six to eight weeks or even longer for adequate recovery. Take at least five to seven days off from physical activity to allow your injury ...

What is a grade 1 groin injury?

Groin injuries are graded based on the severity of the injury. Grade 1 injuries are milder and are caused by overstretching one or more of the five muscles, with micro-tearing of muscle fibers within the injury. Grade 2 injuries are the most common type, and involve partial tearing of muscle tissue.

What is the treatment for groin strain?

Treatment consists of immediate first aid applying the PRICE principles of protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Then a full groin strain rehabilitation program consist ing of stretching, strengthening and sports related exercises.

What is a groin strain?

Groin Strain. A groin strain is a tear of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh. It is often referred to as a ‘pulled groin muscle’, or a ‘groin pull’. A sudden sharp pain is felt which can range from a mild to very severe. Here we explain the symptoms, causes, treatment, and exercises for a groin muscle strain.

Why do you wear a groin support?

Wear a groin support (or strapping) in the early stages to help stop internal bleeding, reduce swelling and protect the injured muscle. Later in the rehabilitation process groin supports and compression shorts are useful for providing support and retaining muscle heat.

How does a groin strap help?

Strapping your groin can aid healing by applying compression to the area immediately after injury. This is part of the PRICE principles (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation). It can also protect and support the muscles during rehabilitation and help prevent further damage to the injured muscle.

How do you know if you have a groin strain?

Symptoms. Groin strain symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of your injury and include: Sudden sharp pain on the inside of the thigh which ranges from mild discomfort, to severe. Symptoms may be felt either in the belly of the muscle or higher up where the tendon attaches to the pelvis. Often pain is felt when sprinting ...

How to stop bleeding after a sprain?

Cold therapy/ice. Apply a cold therapy and compression wrap as soon as possible after injury for at least the first 48 hours. Apply ice for 10 minutes every hour inti ally, reduce frequency as your symptoms improve. This will help stop internal bleeding, reduce pain and swelling speed up the healing process.

What is the best way to treat calf injuries?

Foam roller. A foam roller is an excellent piece of kit which can be used in place of massage to treat calf injuries. They are also excellent when use regularly as part of your warm up to help prevent future injury and improve performance.

What to do for groin strain?

These include rest, stretching, and some oral medications. Rarely is more invasive treatment necessary. Groin strain injuries can be a frustration for athletes and weekend warriors alike. The desire to return to full activity often conflicts with the duration of recovery.

How to prevent groin strain injury?

Athletes, especially hockey and soccer players, should incorporate adductor strengthening, pelvic stabilization, and core strengthening exercises into their workouts to prevent injury.

How painful is a groin pull?

Groin Strain Symptoms. An acute groin pull can be quite painful, depending on how severe the injury is. Groin pulls are usually graded as follows: Grade I groin strain : Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.

What is a groin pull?

Stretches to Prevent Injury. A groin pull is an injury to the muscles (a muscle strain ) of the inner thigh. The groin muscles, called the adductor muscle group, consists of six muscles that span the distance from the inner pelvis to the inner part of the femur (thigh bone). These muscles pull the legs together and help with other movements ...

Why do athletes pull their groins?

Because of this, proper conditioning is of utmost importance to prevent groin strain injury .

What is a severe groin pull?

Severe groin pulls should be evaluated because, in some very rare situations of complete muscle rupture, surgery may be necessary to reattach the torn ends of the muscle.

What is a sports hernia?

The sports hernia is a condition similar to a regular inguinal hernia, and is due to a weakening of the muscles that form the abdominal wall. The symptoms of a sports hernia are often nearly identical to those of a groin strain. 2 .

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What is a strained groin?

STRAINED GROIN: INJURY SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT & TIMING. Athletes frequently suffer from groin strain or torn groin injuries. These muscle strains often occur during physical activity that includes the following: Quick starts and stops, especially in the lower body. Sudden trauma (i.e. tackled on the field)

How to diagnose a torn groin?

To diagnose a torn groin injury, doctors will conduct a physical examination or provide a referral to a specialist, like a sports medicine professional. This physician team may request an X-ray or MRI to assist with diagnosis. Torn groin injuries are given a grade, according to the amount of damage:

What is a grade 1 groin injury?

Torn groin injuries are given a grade, according to the amount of damage: Grade 1: Mild overstretching or slight tearing of muscle fibers. The muscle is painful, but has near normal strength. Grade 2: Moderate tear of a larger amount of muscle fibers.

How long does it take to heal a torn groin muscle?

Typically, recovery for an injured groin muscle can run between 4-12 weeks and estimates for each grade are below: Grade 1: 4-6 weeks. Grade 2: 2-3 months.

What are the symptoms of a pulled groin?

Individuals suffering from pain in the groin area groin muscle often display or describe the following: Individuals with a torn groin injury may feel pain in other areas of the body, including the hip, pelvis, and lower back.

How many muscles are in the groin?

The groin muscles are complex and include six different muscles. Groin muscles help with movements of the hip joint. In fact, groin injuries are often misdiagnosed as hip injuries leading to continued pain and tenderness.

Where is the groin located?

The groin muscles are located where the abdomen meets the leg, and the muscles of the inner thigh are attached to the front of the hip. A torn groin injury occurs when these adductor muscles are overstretched because of extreme force. The groin muscles are complex and include six different muscles.

How long does it take for a groin strain to heal?

Groin Strain Recovery. Most strains heal on their own, however, this can take up to 8 weeks for more severe injuries. To help with recovery, your primary doctor may suggest: 1 . Using the RICE principle (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) Prescribing anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce pain or swelling.

Why does my groin hurt?

In some cases, the pain in your groin could be caused by a condition called a sports hernia . This issue, which is also known as athletic pubalgia, is a broad term referring to any strain or sprain of a ligament, muscle, or tendon in the lower stomach or groin region.

What causes pain in the groin and thigh?

People who were injured by a seatbelt in a car accident. Occasionally, wearing tight-fitting clothes or belts may also be to blame. Meralgia paresthetica usually causes pain in the outer thigh that extends from the hip to the knee, though groin pain may also occur.

Can pubalgia cause groin pain?

The groin pain associated with athletic pubalgia is usually severe while playing sports or exercising, but better with rest. Unlike a traditional hernia, there is not a palpable bulge in the area of injury (though sports hernias may eventually lead to a traditional hernia if left untreated).

Can groin pain be debilitating?

Dealing with groin pain can be both frustrating and debilitating, but for most conditions, there are many different steps you can take to alleviate your discomfort . The key is getting a definitive diagnosis.

Can a strain cause a pop in the groin?

Depending on the severity, a pop may occur during the strain, and bruising or swelling can develop.

Can pelvic floor dysfunction cause groin pain?

Pelvic floor dysfunction can result in groin , genital, rectal, or low back pain. Difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder function is another common complaint, and you may experience either incontinence of stool or urine, or constipation.

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