What is a groin strain?

A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. People commonly call such an injury a "pulled" muscle. The muscles in your groin help bring your legs together. There are two muscles that may commonly get unjured in a groin strain: the adductor magnus (the large muscle running down the inner side of the thigh) and the sartorious (a thinner muscle that starts on the outside of your hip, crosses your thigh and attaches near the inside of the knee).

How does it occur?

A groin strain most commonly occurs when you are running or jumping or when there is a forced push-off or cut.

What are the symptoms?

You will have pain or tenderness along the inner side of your thigh or in the groin area. You will have pain when you bring your legs together. You may have pain when lifting your knee up.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will take note of symptoms and will examine your thigh and hip.

How is it treated?

Treatment may include:

• Applying ice to the strained muscle for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days or until the pain goes away

• Taking anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your doctor

• Wearing a supportive bandage called a thigh wrap or taping your thigh or groin

• Doing the rehabilitation exercises given to you