Causes and risk factors
The groin muscles are more active during activities like running or kicking. Sudden tension during contraction can lead to tear of the muscles. Hence these injuries are more commonly seen in athletes. People engaged in sports like soccer or football are more prone to such injuries. Excessive use of the muscle over time can also lead to its rupture. Certain other factors also contribute to groin injury. Poor postures, bad fitness, weakness of muscles, and certain diseases of the joints are other few causes. Inadequate warm-ups can also lead to sudden strain of the muscles.
Clinical presentation:
Depending on the muscles involved, a groin injury is graded into three categories: Grade I: Mild pain is present along with little loss of strength and little restriction of movement. Grade II: The pain is moderate along with moderate damage to the tissue and loss of strength. Grade III: Severe pain, complete tear of muscles with loss of function and strength. As per the severity of the complaint, the person can present with complaint of pain in the groin region or inner side of the thighs along with swelling and stiffness. The pain is sharp. Pulling or tearing sensation is felt. Tenderness is seen on examination. There is inability to adduct the leg, it evokes pain. Muscle spasm causes tightness in the groin region. In severe cases, the person is unable to walk and limps on walking.
Investigations:
Usually the diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of physical examination and the symptoms narrated by the patient. There is a history of injury. X-ray can be done to rule out any fractures especially in older people. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Rest and application of ice is needed to relieve the swelling. For supporting and compression of the injured muscles, strapping of the muscles is done using adhesive bandages. Until the complaints resolve, innerwear which provide support to the groin are suggested. Use of snug fit inner wears are advised. Massages can also be helpful to relieve the tension. However, it is effective once the acute pain starts subsiding. Analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are advised by the orthopedic doctor. In cases of the simple injury, the condition will resolve by 4-6 weeks. Most of the time, the conservative treatment is helpful. In rare cases, surgical intervention is needed. Physiotherapeutic exercises are advised under instructions of a trained physiotherapist for improving the strength and movement of the muscles.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in strengthening the muscles.
