How long does a pulled groin muscle take to heal?
Additional Pulled Groin Muscle Treatment Ideas. Like with most other types of soft tissue injuries, pulled groin muscle treatment can include RICE therapy 5: Rest; Ice; Compression; Elevation
How to recover from a pulled groin?
Dec 14, 2021 · Immediately after injury, the goal of treatment for a groin strain is to reduce pain and swelling. The first few days of treatment follow …
What should I do if I have pulled my groin ligament?
Feb 22, 2022 · Treatment For Groin Pull: Recovery Time. Torn groin injury recovery time can vary based on the severity of the injury. The complexity of the injury and the individuals' strength prior to injury can impact the recovery period. Typically, recovery for an injured groin muscle can run between 4-12 weeks and estimates for each grade are below:
What are some home remedies for a pulled muscle?
Nov 13, 2018 · RICE — Your first line of defense is to rest, ice, compress and elevate. This can be hard with a groin strain, so focus on the rest and ice. …
How long does it take for a groin strain injury to heal?
With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal on their own in about 4–8 weeks. More severe groin strains can take longer. It is very important to let the strain heal fully and get the doctor's OK before going back to activities.
How do you tell if you have a pulled groin muscle?
Groin strain symptomsbruising 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.limping or difficulty moving the leg.Feb 23, 2018
Where is groin pain located?
What Is Groin Pain? Groin pain is discomfort that happens where the inside of your upper thigh and your abdomen come together. It's not the same as pain in your testicles, though that can sometimes cause pain that can spread to your groin.Sep 11, 2020
Is naproxen good for groin strain?
Compress your thigh using an elastic bandage or tape. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, will help with pain and swelling. Note: these should only be used for a short period, such as up to 1-2 weeks. Active stretching and strengthening exercises.Sep 12, 2018
What is the treatment for pulled groin muscle?
Like with most other types of soft tissue injuries, pulled groin muscle treatment can include RICE therapy 5 : Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. You can administer this treatment with traditional ice packs and compression bandages, or increase the effectiveness of therapeutic cold and compression with a cold therapy system.
What is a pulled groin?
A pulled groin—also known as a groin strain or sprain—occurs when the muscles in the inner thigh get overstretched or torn. 1 This can happen when they contract too quickly during activities such as running, jumping, or changing direction. 1 Although a pulled groin is a common injury among athletes, it can happen to anybody.
Why does my groin tear?
This is because groin muscles can tear or stretch when pivoting to avoid a tackle, changing directions quickly to catch a ball, or stretching beyond the natural limits of the muscles. Any type of sudden movement in the groin area can potentially cause a strain or pull, especially when the muscles are not properly warmed up. 2.
How do you know if you pulled your groin?
When you pull a groin, you can expect to experience some or all of the following symptoms 1: Pain when you lift your knee. Pain when you use the adductor muscles, which bring your legs together. Tenderness and discomfort in the inside of the thigh. Swelling or discoloration in the groin area.
How to stretch your groin?
Seated short groin stretch: While seated on the floor, bend the knees, and bring the soles of the feet together in front of you. With a straight back, use your elbows to gently push your knees toward the floor until you feel a light stretch in the inner thigh, and hold the position.
How to strengthen adductor muscles?
Use a small medicine ball placed between the knees to create resistance, and squeeze for five-second intervals. Repeat 10 times, and increase the duration and number of repetitions as strength improves. Straight-leg adductor exercise: Remain in a reclined position, and extend the legs flat on the floor.
How to relieve groin pain after pulling?
Massage is another popular method for reducing tension in the groin muscles while recovering from a pull or tear. This type of treatment is appropriate after the area is no longer tender to the touch, as otherwise it might be too painful and uncomfortable. 7.
How to prevent groin strain?
The best way to prevent groin strain is to avoid using the adductor muscle without proper training and preparation. Especially if you play a sport that’s likely to cause groin strain, regularly stretch and strengthen your adductor muscles.
How long does it take to recover from a groin strain?
Depending on the grade of your strain, here’s estimated recovery times: Grade 1: two to three weeks. Grade 2: two to three months. Grade 3: four months or more.
What is a groin strain?
Overview. A groin strain is an injury or tear to any of the adductor muscles of the thigh. These are the muscles on the inner side of the thigh. Sudden movements usually trigger an acute groin strain, such as kicking, twisting to change direction while running, or jumping. Athletes are most at risk for this injury.
What is grade 1 groin strain?
A grade 1 groin strain occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn, damaging up to 5 percent of the muscle fibers. You may be able to walk without pain, but running, jumping, kicking, or stretching may be painful.
How to heal adductor muscle?
As your adductor muscle is recovering, avoid activities that involve pain. Resume activities gradually. This will enable your muscle to heal fully and prevent you from developing a recurrent groin strain injury. The length of time you need to recover will also depend on your level of fitness before the injury.
How to tell if groin is strained?
They can include: pain (usually felt in the inner thigh, but located anywhere from the hip to the knee) decreased strength in the upper leg. swelling.
What is the risk factor for groin strain?
The primary risk factor for groin strain is playing a sport that involves kicking, turning suddenly while running, and jumping. Needing to change direction frequently is also a risk factor.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
What is the second phase of rehabilitation?
Secondary Phase: After the healing process, the second phase of rehabilitation begins. Weeks 1 to 3 involve strength training for the groin muscles and all the muscles surrounding the hip and abdomen. Final Phase: Once adequate strength is achieved in the injured muscle, functional rehabilitation begins.
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.
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:
How to avoid groin strains?
Keeping Your Groin Safe. How to avoid muscle strains: Incorporate a dynamic warm up prior to more intense physical activity. Make sure you are stretching and strengthening the groin and surrounding muscles regularly. Focus on technique and posture with your exercises -- don’t rush through them.
What is a groin strain?
A groin strain refers to a set of five different muscles, also known as the adductors, that help adduct (bring in towards your midline) the thigh and stabilize the hip. These muscles are most strained with activities such as ...
What is the difference between a grade I strain and a grade II strain?
There are different grades of muscle strains. Grade I: A grade I strain is the smallest amount of tissue tearing , and can cause mild discomfort or pain, tenderness to touch, but there will not be swelling and the strength of the muscle should not be greatly affected. Grade II: A grade II strain affects more muscle fibers and is considered moderate.
What is grade 3 tear?
Grade III: This is the highest level of tear, often accompanied by a popping sound, and is considered a complete tear, causing the muscle to tear from the tendon. With this type of tear there is considerable pain and swelling, and there is loss of function of the muscle.
How long does it take for a muscle to heal from a sprain?
Grade I: A mild strain may take 1-2 weeks to heal , depending on the recovery process. Grade II: A moderate strain can take anywhere from 4-10 weeks to heal, de pending on which muscle is affected and how large the muscle (and tear) are.
Where do the muscles in the groin attach?
Most of these muscles originate from the pubic bone and attach along the inside of the femur or thigh bone. When strained, a person can feel a sudden sharp pain right along the groin line, at the pubic bone or along the inner thigh, depending which muscle is most affected.
How long does it take to recover from a grade 3 muscle tear?
Expect several months for a full recovery.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Why are adductor muscles important?
They also stabilize and control the pelvis during walking and running. They are especially important in any sport which requires rapid changes in direction. The adductor muscles on one side keep the pelvis level while the adductor muscles on the opposite side are used to move the leg.
What are the three adductors?
Three of them are called the ‘short adductors’ (pectineus, adductor brevis, and adductor longus). The other two are known as the ‘long adductors’ (gracilis and adductor Magnus). The main function of the adductor muscle group is to pull the leg back towards the midline (adduction).
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 ...
What is pulled muscle?
Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is stretched too far, and microscopic tears occur within the muscle fibers.
How to heal muscle strain?
Most muscle strain injuries will heal with simple treatment steps, but performing the right steps, at the right time, can be critical to ensuring the fastest possible recovery. As with many injuries, there is a balance between doing too much, or too little, early after the injury.
What are the symptoms of muscle strain?
The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasm of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and then be unable to continue their activities. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1 .
Why is it important to use caution when a muscle is fatigued?
6 . Athletes should use caution, especially as they become fatigued, as the muscle becomes more susceptible to strain injuries.
What is a grade 1 injury?
Grade I: Mild discomfort, often no disability, usually does not limit activity . Grade II: Moderate discomfort, can limit the ability to perform high-level activities. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated. Grade III: Severe injury that can cause significant pain. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling, ...
What is the best way to prevent muscle strain?
Gentle Stretching. Stretching and strengthening are useful in the treatment and prevention of muscle strain injuries. Muscles that are stronger and more flexible are less likely to be injured.
How long should you ice a muscle pull?
Ice applications can be done frequently, but should not be done for more than 15 minutes at a time. 3 . How to Ice an Injury the Right Way.
Groin Strain Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Once a strain is diagnosed, you can begin treatment. Rest, stretching, and oral pain medications are the most common treatments. Surgery is not usually necessary. Groin strains can be frustrating for athletes and weekend warriors alike. You may want to return to your activities before you're fully recovered. Exactly how long it takes to recover will depend on how severe the …
Stretches to Prevent Injury
- If you have a groin strain, a stretching program will help you recover. Simple stretches can help ease the symptoms and keep new strains from occurring.
Summary
- A groin pull is an injury to the inner thigh muscles. Most of the time, these strains involve small tears to the muscle fibers. They can be treated with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medications. Sometimes, however, more severe muscle tears can happen. In rare cases, these tears have to be repaired with surgery. If you have a severe groin ...
A Word from Verywell
- If you're not sure if you have a groin pull or your symptoms do not improve quickly, it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider. Other conditions can be confused with a groin pull, and they may need different treatments.