Pulled Groin Muscle
Facts about a Pulled Groin Muscle
Anyone who has suffered from a pulled groin muscle can attest to the painful sensations they endured.
The groin is the area of the body where the top of the leg meets the pelvis. The muscles in this area are called the adductor muscles; five muscles that extend either from the pelvis to the thigh which are considered to be the short adductors, or from the pelvis to the knee, otherwise known as the long adductor muscles. The interior muscles that connect the pelvis to the inner femur are the most commonly injured of the adductor muscles. This is due to the extensive use of these muscles during athletic activities such as running, hurdling, playing football and other sports that require quick and sudden changes in direction. Sometime, these activities can overextend the muscles and cause them to tear; resulting in a pulled groin muscle.
Just as with any type of muscle tear, groin pulls or strains are categorized by grade. Grade one tears are considered to be minor, with only a small percentage of the muscle fibers involved in the injury. Grade two is more serious, with the fiber tear percentage ranging anywhere from 10% all the way up to 90%. Because of the wide range in percentages, these moderate pulls are often placed according to the degree of injury, either 2+ or 2- in range. The most serious of all groin pulls are termed as grade 3; a partial or a full tear.
Lesser grades of injury will experience light symptoms. A slight discomfort in the area of the inner thigh or lower groin along with a feeling of the muscle being tight will be the symptoms to the individual. Stretching or using the muscle may increase the pain, and there may be areas that are highly sensitive to touch. The best solution for these mild pulls is to apply R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Gentle stretching of the muscle can be performed if it is not too painful to do so.
Grade two injuries will be more immediately felt by the individual, with a sharp, stabbing pain occurring in the adductor muscle accompanied by some swelling and possible bruising. Walking is likely to present a high degree of pain, while running may be nearly impossible due to pain. After resting the muscle overnight, a tightening of the adductor muscle could likely occur, along with even more swelling, bruising and pain. R.I.C.E. treatment should begin immediately upon the injury’s occurrence.
Lastly, a grade 3 pulled groin muscle will exert severe pain during movement, and make it nearly impossible to squeeze the legs together. Happening much earlier than in moderate groin pulls, bruising and swelling generally ensues within 24 hours of the injury. Stretching the muscle will only increase and exacerbate the pain, and should not be forced. Touching the area of the pulled muscle may reveal a lump. Especially for this severe of an injury, a sports medical professional should be consulted. Regaining the muscle usage will require specific treatment and therapy for rehabilitating the injured area.
Treatments for the more severe injury could include treatments utilizing laser or ultrasound in order to determine the extent of the injury. Containing the muscle and restricting its movement through taping could also be recommended. A rehabilitation program in which techniques for careful stretching and re-strengthening of the injured muscle will prove to be very helpful. Only the most severe injury involving a completely torn muscle will require surgical intervention.
Individuals who regularly participate in activities such as highly mobile sports requiring quick changes of direction as well as high stress on the adductor muscles would be well advised to learn about techniques on treating a pulled groin muscle. Fast reaction in treating will assist in the healing and get the individual back on the sporting field once again.