Symptoms of a Groin Pull

A groin pull is a rip or rupture to one or more of the adductor muscles. There are five different muscles that compose the adductors--the pectineus, adductor brevis and adductor longus (connect the thigh bone to the pelvis), the adductor magnus (connects the pelvis to the knee) and the gracilis. There are three different grades of a groin pull depending on the severity and differences in symptoms.

Grade 1

A grade 1 groin pull usually only causes the person mild discomfort and isn't usually serious enough to require treatment. The symptoms of a grade 1 strain include slight pain upon movement and limitation in stretching the muscle. These pains aren't generally severe enough to limit the person's movement.

Grade 2

A grade 2 groin pull can cause a bit more discomfort for a person. The symptoms of a grade 2 groin pull include moderate discomfort, limitation of the person's running or jumping and slight swelling or bruising of the area.

Grade 3

A grade 3 groin pull is the most severe out of all three. Grade 3 groin pull symptoms include severe pain while walking, muscle spasms and significant swelling and bruising around the muscle area.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of a grade 3 groin pull, you may need to receive treatment. The symptoms include difficulty walking, pain even while resting and pain while sleeping. It is important to get these symptoms checked out because in some situations, it could be possible that the muscle has ruptured and may require surgery.

Treatment

For a grade 1 or 2 groin pull, the treatment options are limited. They include icing the area, resting the muscle or stretching. Grade 3 groin pulls may require surgery if the muscle has ruptured to repair or reattach the the torn ends of the muscle. Not all grade 3 patients require surgery. Consult a doctor if you are concerned about treatment.

References

• Groin Strain