Pulled Groin Ligament

Groin pain is generally caused due to the tearing of muscles and ligaments in the groin region. The groin area consists of ligaments, tendons, adductor muscles and fascia around the inguinal ligament, which attaches to the pubic bone. A pulled groin ligament is caused due to a tension in the ligaments present in the groin area. Pain in the groin region generally occurs due to the partial tearing of the muscle fibers located in the adductor muscles. Since, these adductor muscles enable us to pull our legs together as we bend, a tear in the muscle fibers causes a groin pull. Central to the groin area is the inguinal ligament, which marks the lower most fibers of the abdominal wall musculature. This ligament is attached to the pubic bone and it curls downwards as the lacunar ligament and joins the pectineal ligament. Any tension in these ligaments can cause a groin pull.

Symptoms

Pain from a pulled groin muscle or ligament can be quite discomforting. Whenever there is overuse of adductor muscles or the groin ligaments, it might lead to micro tears in the ligaments. Sometimes, sudden jerky movements can even cause a complete rupture. Those who participate in sports understand how important it is to warm-up before indulging in any strenuous activity. Strenuous physical activities put pressure on the tendons, muscles and ligaments, therefore, in the absence of warm-up sessions, our body is not prepared for that exertion and this could cause a groin pull. Damage to ligaments is most likely to cause swelling and pain.

The symptoms will vary depending on degree of the groin pull. In case you are suffering from first degree groin pull, you might experience localized pain, tenderness, slight swelling and slight difficulty in walking. In case of a second degree groin pull, symptoms might also include tissue damage. The sufferer might experience sharp pain while carrying out any physical activity. If someone is suffering from a third degree groin pull, the pain will be severe and debilitating. Other symptoms such as massive swelling, loss of strength and movement, and an inability to contract thigh muscles, will be experienced by the sufferer.

Treatment

Since ligaments in this area could get strained due to injuries and overuse of the muscles, the person suffering from such an injury must take ample rest. If you continue to overuse or stretch your muscles beyond a limit, you might end up with a torn ligament. Since, there are several bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles in the groin region, a physical examination along with an X-ray examination will help to determine if there is just a partial tearing in the ligament or adductor muscles, or there has been a complete rupture.

Though these symptoms could appear due to a pulled groin, fracture could also cause groin pain. Several medical conditions such as swollen groin lymph nodes, hernia and conditions affecting the hip, might also lead to pain in this area. So, all these possibilities need to be ruled out first. Like in case of any muscle strain, a strained ligament in the groin region can be treated using rest, ice, compression and elevation. Taking rest is very essential. The doctors might prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in order to alleviate the symptoms. Applying ice packs on the affected area will also reduce the swelling to a great extent. Even when you rest, you can elevate the pulled ligament by propping it up on stacked pillows. You can go for physical therapy sessions. You can find out more about the mild stretching exercises and techniques for making the groin area stronger and more flexible. Make sure that you refrain from any strenuous physical activity till the pulled groin joint or ligament heals completely.

If you have been experiencing any such symptoms, make sure that you consult a doctor soon. Take rest and follow the advice of your doctor in order to recover soon.