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GROIN STRAIN |
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The Injury |
 The term describes a strain of the adductor muscles
that are located on the inside of the thigh. The adductor group is made up
of five muscles:
The injury usually occurs when the muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue tears. A tear in a muscle is referred to as a strain and, depending on its severity, is classified as a first, second or third degree strain. |
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Signs and Symptoms |
| Grade 1 |
| A first degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibers. In the case of a grade one groin strain the signs may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of cramp or tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. |
| Grade 2 |
| A second degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of muscle fibers. A grade two groin strain causes immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury and produces pain on walking. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two groin strain is usually sore to touch. |
| Grade 3 |
| A third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle itself. A grade three strain is quite rare in the adductor muscles. There is an immediate burning or stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain. In the case of grade two and three injuries, a large bruise will appear below the injury site after a few days - this is caused by bleeding within the tissues. |
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Treatment & Prevention |
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- see Muscle Strains |