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What is Inguinal Strain?

Shelby Miller
Shelby Miller

An inguinal strain is an injury to the groin region in which one or more muscles in the adductor group on the inner thigh is pulled away from the tendon attaching it to the pelvis. More severe strains may be accompanied by partial or complete tears in which the muscle separates from the tendon or the tendon separates from the bone. A groin strain is not to be confused with an inguinal hernia, in which the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum, pushes through a weak spot in the wall of abdominal muscle above it, forming a bulge along or near the inguinal crease, the oblique line that denotes where the leg meets the torso.

Commonly referred to as a pulled groin, an inguinal strain involves one or more of the five muscles of the adductor group: the pectineus, adductor magnus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, and gracilis. All five originate on the pubic bone in the lower pelvis and run down the inner thigh to attach to the femur or thigh bone, with the exception of the gracilis, which crosses the knee joint and attaches to the top of the tibia in the lower leg. These muscles are responsible for drawing the leg inward toward the midline of the body from a spread position, as in jumping the feet together during a jumping jack.

An inguinal strain is common among soccer players.
An inguinal strain is common among soccer players.

An inguinal strain occurs where these muscles attach, via tendons, to the pubic bone. This injury results from a sudden abduction of the leg, whether by jumping the feet apart suddenly, abruptly stepping laterally, or raising the leg to the side too forcefully, causing an excessive pull on the muscles and their attaching tendons. It is therefore common among hockey, football, and soccer players, and martial artists, all of whom are required to perform explosive lateral movements of the lower body. Examples of movements that may result in an inguinal strain are quick direction changes, as in football or soccer, abrupt lateral acceleration, as in ice skating, or, in the case of the martial arts, a swift side kick. The risk of sustaining this injury increases with inexperienced or de-conditioned athletes.

Inguinal strains are common among hockey players.
Inguinal strains are common among hockey players.

Symptoms of an inguinal strain may range from mild discomfort in the groin to severe pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty in moving the area. Recommended treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) immediately after the injury. Continued treatment may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, rest, and light stretching, with a gradual return to exercise.

Discussion Comments

anon276240

I understand the previous posters complaint about ice, but with an injury there is a process to healing. The ice is used for a reason, to be cold. Icy-hot is good for some things but the application of heat too early can sabotage the healing process. Icy-hot is good for mild strains but if you injure yourself follow the process "RICE" as in the article. No heat is mentioned.

zeak4hands

@Almita - That's doesn't sound like fun. I use icy-hot on strained muscles all the time. I don't like having to replace the ice all the time. It's warm here where I live so ice is just frustrating to use. I went through a whole bag of ice in a day when I sprained my ankle!

I always stretch gently in the morning to prevent strains. I do lunges for my legs and so far I've managed to avoid straining anything too badly. I have to get up half an hour early but I've always thought that it's easier to stretch everyday and be a little sore than to be down for days when I hurt something.

Almita

I've pulled my groin before -- it hurt like crazy. I was playing on the trampoline with my kids and we were all doing jumping jacks. Somehow I managed to pull something and I had to take a couple days off of work to recover. I didn't think I used my inner thigh muscles as much as I do.

Ice is a little too cold for me. I used that icy-hot cream instead. It's easier to apply and you don't have to sit on it for hours. Another plus side is that it doesn't melt either. If anyone else pulls their groin, try icy-hot instead of regular ice – it's much more comfortable.

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    • An inguinal strain is common among soccer players.
      By: Stefan Schurr
      An inguinal strain is common among soccer players.
    • Inguinal strains are common among hockey players.
      By: Vibe Images
      Inguinal strains are common among hockey players.
    • Ibuprofen can help relieve the pain from an inguinal strain.
      By: Sherry Yates
      Ibuprofen can help relieve the pain from an inguinal strain.
    • Surgery may be required to treat an inguinal hernia.
      By: Tom Wang
      Surgery may be required to treat an inguinal hernia.
    • Treatment for an inguinal strain may include rest.
      By: Monkey Business
      Treatment for an inguinal strain may include rest.
    • The lateral movement sometimes required in football leaves players vulnerable to inguinal strains.
      By: Brocreative
      The lateral movement sometimes required in football leaves players vulnerable to inguinal strains.
    • An inguinal strain may cause pain in the pelvic region.
      By: staras
      An inguinal strain may cause pain in the pelvic region.
    • A patient suffering from an inguinal strain may experience pain when walking unassisted.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A patient suffering from an inguinal strain may experience pain when walking unassisted.
    • Inexperienced or de-conditioned athletes are at an increased risk of an inguinal strain.
      By: Shakzu
      Inexperienced or de-conditioned athletes are at an increased risk of an inguinal strain.