Physiotherapist update: November 2019

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)