The groin muscles consist of a group of muscles that travel from the inner portion of the pelvis to the thigh bone. When a groin muscle tears, usually as a result of strenuous exercise, extreme pain can result. Depending on the extent of the injury, treatment for a muscle tear in the groin can include gentle exercise, medication, or the application of ice or heat to the affected area. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may become necessary.
The most important form of treatment for a groin muscle tear is to avoid any type of activity that may make the pain or discomfort worse. The muscle will typically repair itself if rested properly. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to help lessen the pain while healing. If necessary, a doctor will often prescribe stronger medications in order to keep the patient as comfortable as possible during the healing process.
Gentle stretching exercises may be suggested by the doctor during the healing process. However, if stretching the muscles causes pain, the exercises should be discontinued until they can be done more comfortably. It is important to obtain medical advice before beginning any kind of stretching exercises when a groin muscle tear is present in case the damage is severe enough for a more aggressive type of treatment.
Many patients with a groin muscle tear find some degree of pain relief by applying an ice pack to the affected site within the first 48 hours of the injury. After the initial 48 hours, ice can be applied after any kind of physical activity. This often helps to alleviate some of the inflammation or swelling involving the muscles as well as the surrounding nerves and tissues.
Once the initial inflammation is under control, heat is often used to treat a groin muscle tear. Applying a heating pad to the affected area before physical activity can help to loosen the muscles, making normal activities more comfortable during the healing process. The important thing to remember is to use heat before any type of physical activity and ice afterward.
If the tear is severe or does not respond to more conventional treatment methods, surgery may be a viable option for some patients. Surgical intervention is not often necessary for this type of injury, but it does become necessary in extreme cases. In this operation, the surgeon will work to repair the damaged muscles as well as any nerves or surrounding tissues that may have been damaged as a result of the injury.