Rina van der Merwe, Physiotherapist
GROIN STRAIN
Definition:
Groin pain may be due to a
number of problems. The most common in
runners is muscle injuries, but it may also be due to stress fractures, hernia
or hip problems. The groin is complex in the sense that the pubic symphysis area
is a bony attachment point for a number of muscles which work together during
walking and running.
Groin injuries fall into 3 main areas:
- Adductor injuries (inside of the thigh muscles)
- Iliopsoas injuries (hip flexor muscles)
- Rectus abdominus injuries (stomach muscles) combined with Adductor injuries
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness in the groin and/or inside of the thigh
- Pain when bringing your legs together
- Pain when raising your knee
Causes:
- Overtraining
- Tight muscles
- Over-pronation of the foot (which will lead to increased contraction of the adductor muscle to compensate).
Treatment
options:
- Rest, ice, compression
- Ultrasound, massage, K-tape
- Rehabilitation in the form of exercises that focus on core strength and stability and stretches
Other reasons for groin pain that may
need medical attention:
- Stress fracture near pubic symphysis
- Hernia (tear in abdominal wall)
- Labral tear of the hip (‘catching’ sensation in the hip)