Why does it occur?

A Hip Adductor Strain, more commonly known as a Groin Strain, is an injury to the inner thigh muscles that brings your leg to the center (adduction). This type of injury is most common in sports such as soccer or hockey that involve active hip adduction, cutting or running.  The most common causes of this is either the lack of proper warm up prior to activities, or overuse of the muscle from overtraining.

 

Proper warm up is super important and often overlooked, and involves doing an activity to increase your core temperature and muscle elasticity.  This can be jumping jacks or light running for about 10 minutes. Stretching for a period of 5-10 additional minutes may also be helpful in injury prevention.  However, between the two, the warm up is considered more important, so if you only have 10 minutes to spare before your activity, do the warm up!

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Symptoms:

Patients with a Groin Strain typically present with a sudden onset of pain at the inner thigh/groin with running or cutting.  On examination, there is typically tenderness of the Adductor muscle, and pain is elicited with resisted hip adduction (bringing the leg toward center against resistance).  Swelling or bruising may also be present.

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Diagnostic Testing:

An X-ray may be advised to assess the hip and rule out an associated avulsion fracture.  An MRI may be considered to assess the severity of injury or further evaluate an avulsion fracture

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Treatment Options:

Initial treatment of a Groin Strain is to rest the area and cease any offending activities.  Ice applications and NSAIDs with food (if not contraindicated) may also be advised.  Dr. Lee will typically recommend physical therapy once the initial pain from the injury has lessened. The majority of Groin Strains are treated successfully without surgery.

 

Besides the physical therapy, the most important aspect of this treatment is NOT going back to regular activities too early.  After about 3 weeks, the pain is often significantly improved, so many patients will venture back to sports or activities.  Doing so often causes a re-tear that not only sets the patient back to square one, but actually makes them worse.  Repetitive episodes of re-injury ultimately can lead to a decreased overall outcome.

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*It is important to note that all of the information above is not specific to anyone and is subject to change based on many different factors including but not limited to individual patient, diagnosis, and treatment specific variables. It is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific orthopedic advice or assistance should consult Dr. Steven Lee or an orthopedic specialist of your choice.

 

*Dr. Steven Lee is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and is double fellowship trained in the areas of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, and Sports Medicine. He has offices in New York City, Scarsdale, and Westbury Long Island.