What Are the Treatments for a Pulled Groin Muscle?
A pulled groin muscle, or a groin strain, refers to a small tear or stretching of one or more of the the adductor muscles. The adductor muscles consist of three muscles that begin in the groin area, and run along the inner side of the thigh where they then attach to the inner side of the knee. A pulled groin muscle can be painful, and can be treated with a number of different methods including physical therapy and rest. Drugs may be given to manage and treat the pain associated with a pulled groin muscle.
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Causes
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There are a number of possible causes for groin strains. Stretching the muscles too much produces a greater amount of tension than they can withstand. Stretching the muscles when they are not ready to be stressed, overusing the adductor muscles and being hit in the adductor muscles are other causes.
Risk Factors
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Certain situations can increase your risk of a pulled groin muscle. These situations including sports that require sudden speed. Hurdles, running, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, long jumping and rugby are sports that have a high probability of a groin muscle injury. Participating in any of these activities when tired, before properly stretching the groin or in cold weather may also increase your risk of a pulled groin muscle. Finally, overexertion may increase the chances of a pulled groin.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of a pulled groin include tenderness, stiffness or pain in the groin area. The muscles may also be weak, and you may hear or feel a popping or snapping sound or sensation when the pull or tear occurs. If a blood vessel is broken when you pull or tear your groin, the area may appear bruised.
Diagnosis
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Typically, a doctor first takes your medical history and inquires about your symptoms and activities you may have done that caused the injury. There are a number of different grades of pulled muscles, with varying degrees of recovery. Grades range from a stretching or pulling of the muscle to a full tear. A pulled muscle typically heals in 1 to 2 weeks, while a complete tear typically takes 3 months to heal fully. A doctor may be able to diagnose the injury by looking at the groin muscles and discussing symptoms, but for severe injuries, an MRI may be required to determine the extent of the injury to the muscle.
Treatment
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Treatment for a pulled groin may vary depending on the situation. You generally will be advised to rest and refrain from doing activities that cause pain. Bandages may be used to compress the thigh to prevent swelling, and you may also be told to keep the leg elevated. Cold packs may be applied to the groin area for 15 to 20 minutes four times daily. Alternatively, when you begin engaging in physical activities again, you may be advised to use a heat pack on the area prior to stretching or playing sports. Strengthening exercises may be recommended to strengthen the muscles to avoid a further muscle pull, and you will generally be advised to stretch carefully before engaging in physical activity in the future. Finally, pain medications may be prescribed to cope with the pain of a pulled muscle; however, generally, over-the-counter pain medications will suffice to treat pain.
Prevention
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To prevent a pulled groin muscle, your doctor may advise you to do strengthening exercises to strengthen the muscle. Keeping the muscles strong can help avoid problems. Warming up before engaging in stretching or other exercise is also important to avoid pulled muscles. Finally, ensure you are using the proper technique when running or engaging in athletic maneuvers, so you do not pull these muscles.
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