When the groin muscles are pulled or strained, it causes pain in the groin. When the groin muscles are strained at high intensity, it is due to the stretching process of thigh muscles beyond their limit. Ultimately this would result in tearing of some muscular parts and tissue in the groin resulting in swelling and pain. Groin muscles have adductors which are fan like structures present in the upper thigh region. When the leg muscles contract, it results in the pulling of muscle normally. However when there is intense contraction it would strain the groin muscles which is felt as pain in the thigh.
It can damage the inner muscles or tear some part of muscles when the muscles get pulled. Groin muscles when inflamed it pains a lot when touched normally. With increased movements to the muscles, it gets weakened and muscles get torn. Groin muscles pain is felt in the form of sports hernia which is due to the sudden pulling of muscle. The feeling of dull pain in the groin is the symptom of sports hernia. Generally treatment for groin muscles is done on the basis of RICE method which means Rest, Ice application, Compression and Elevation of the pained muscles. Complete rest is advised until the muscles tear gets strong and it may take up to 2-3 weeks.
Groin Pull :
Groin strain or Groin pull is common in athletes which cause intense pain making them unable to participate in sports for several months. Groin pull can occur when too much of pressure is applied on the groin muscle which becomes highly stretched and torn. Football and soccer players are at high risk of groin pull.
In order to understand the groin strain you should first know about the anatomy of groin.
Anatomy Of Groin :
The groin is the area that lies between the abdomen (stomach) and thighs. Groin is made of multiple ligaments, muscles, and tendons which fuse together in the pubic bone. Often groin strain occurs in the area of inguinal ligament. Hip adductor muscles together make up the groin area. Owing to the complicated fusion of muscles and tendons any injury or additional stress on the groin can result in groin strain.
Inguinal ligament is placed in the center of the groin area and this is the lowermost area of the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are found above this ligament which can also cause groin pull. Inguinal ligament initially attaches with the pubic bone and moves downward in the form of lacunar ligament which fuses with the pectineal ligament also known as Cooper’s ligament. Any abnormal pressure or tension in this area can result in groin pain. It becomes difficult for many athletes to distinguish the painful area since it is formed with fusion of many ligaments and fibers.