Groin inflammation, also known as adductor tendonitis, develops when the adductor muscles in the groin undergo inflammation or degeneration due to excessive use.
Symptoms of adductor tendonitis
Symptoms of groin pain include:
- Gradual development over time without a specific injury event.
- Possible association with chronic, long-term pain resulting from an inadequately healed acute groin strain.
- Increased severity of pain at the upper groin where the muscle connects to the pelvis bone.
- Radiating pain that extends downward into the leg.
- Challenges encountered during running activities, particularly when sprinting or changing direction.
Diagnosis
A professional therapist might administer tests like resisted adduction, where the patient’s leg movement is evaluated as they attempt to pull their leg inward against the therapist’s resistance.
Another diagnostic test, the squeeze test, involves the patient exerting force on the therapist’s fist using their legs. This test can reveal potential muscle weakness and replicate symptoms. The therapist may also check for pain during resisted hip flexion, a manoeuver involving thigh elevation.
What is adductor tendonitis?
The five groin or adductor muscles include the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, gracilis, and adductor magnus. The first three, originating from the pelvis and connecting to the thigh bone, are known as short adductors.
The gracilis and adductor magnus, extending from the pelvis to the inner knee, are the long adductors. These muscles primarily draw the legs towards the body’s centre from a spread position and assist the powerful iliopsoas muscles in thigh elevation. They play a significant role in activities requiring swift direction changes, like sprinting, football, horse riding, and hurdling.
What causes groin inflammation?
Adductor tendons may suffer inflammation or degeneration due to overuse or past injuries like groin strains, aptly described by the term “adductor tendinopathy.” Acute inflammation typically corresponds to recent or recurring injuries, while chronic groin pain is frequently linked to degeneration instead of inflammation.
Therapists aim to identify the groin pain source, which could stem from adductor muscles, iliopsoas muscles, the abdominal wall, or the pubic bone. Accurate identification is vital due to potential overlapping symptoms or multifactorial causes.
Recognising early warning signs
Preventing chronic groin injuries, which pose treatment challenges, hinges on early detection of adductor-related pain. Regrettably, athletes often overlook or continue training amidst persistent groin discomfort.
Here are some early warning signs to watch out for:
- Persistent groin tightness or stiffness during or after exercise, including the following morning, with no relief from stretching exercises.
- Decreased sprinting speed or difficulty in accelerating.
- Reduced ability to kick a ball long distances.
- Discomfort in the groin area when decelerating.
By paying attention to these warning signs and taking appropriate measures, athletes can mitigate the risk of long-term groin injuries and facilitate a more effective treatment approach.
Treatment for groin inflammation
Rest is important in treating groin injuries, but insufficient alone. Returning to routine training without adequate rehabilitation risks symptom recurrence. A thorough rehabilitation program, comprising massage and exercises, is essential. Maintaining a pain-free state throughout exercises and training is crucial during this phase.
What can the athlete do?
Avoid activities causing pain and consider pain-free alternatives like cycling, or rest entirely until daily activities can be undertaken without discomfort. Use cold therapy or ice in the initial 24 to 48 hours to mitigate pain and inflammation.
As pain recedes, begin stretching and strengthening exercises, gradually returning to normal training. Seek advice from a sports injury specialist for massage techniques and rehabilitation guidance.
What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?
Doctors might suggest anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation relief, although long-term use could hamper recovery. Therapists may employ electrotherapy techniques such as ultrasound or laser treatment to alleviate symptoms, with ultrasound providing a micro-massage effect.
Laser treatment uses a low-energy beam to energize the tissue. Deep tissue massages may be given to improve adductor muscle health, targeting tight knots that can stress the tendon or cause potential injuries. Acupuncture can also be used to relax muscles and enhance muscle tone.
Exercises for groin inflammation
Recovering from groin inflammation necessitates both stretching and strengthening exercises. As an overuse injury, priority lies in rest, recuperation, and gentle, painless stretches.
If pain occurs during or post-exercise, or the next day, cease the exercises, rest, and reevaluate before continuing. Once pain allows, partake in strengthening exercises, gradually increasing the load on the affected muscle.
