Groin Injury & Healing

Groin injuries are more prevalent in people who participate in sports. Dancers and those who participate in karate can also be vulnerable to groin problems. The actual injury usually occurs where the inner thigh muscles (i.e. gracilis, adductor muscles) attach to the bone. However, a groin injury can be also be caused by a hernia, bursitis or even a stress fracture. Treatment for healing a groin injury can include rest, ice, heat, medication and certain stretching exercises.

Considerations

• Some groin injuries may require surgery. These types of injuries are usually the ones that involve fractures or nerve damage. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Vincent Morelli, in an aafp.org article "Groin Injuries in Athletes," says, "treatment of avulsions of the hamstrings from the ischial tuberosity is controversial. Orthopedic evaluation is warranted in these patients. Large fragments displaced greater than 1 to 2 cm may require surgical fixation."

Effects of Rest, Ice & Heat

• People with groin injuries need a period of rest to prevent further aggravation of their condition. Rest also allows ice time to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice reduces swelling by limiting the flow of blood and lymph fluid to the injured area. Ice is most effective when applied at 20-minute intervals throughout the day. Once swelling has gone down, heat can promote blood flow--with its healing properties--to the groin area.

Types of Medication

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can also be used as part of the healing process for groin injuries. These medications reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting Cox-2 enzymes and prostaglandins, which are part of the body's natural response to injuries. For more severe groin pain, doctors may prescribe steroids to help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.

Types of Exercises

• People with groin injuries can perform certain gentle stretching exercises to help heal their injury. The range of stretching should be limited to movements that do not cause pain. These stretching exercises can relieve tension and tightness in the muscle, reduce scar tissue and stimulate blood flow, once the initial swelling has subsided. Exercises can be performed while sitting on the floor (such as stretching the legs outward) or while standing. Flutter kicks and jogging while in a swimming pool can also help a person recover from a groin injury. Exercise is one of the best ways to stimulate blood flow, thereby promoting healing in the groin area.

Time Frame

• There is no set time frame for overcoming an injured groin. More severe injuries will take a considerably longer time to heal. A groin injury tends to heal over time. Those who are more proactive in their treatments tend to heal more quickly. If a person requires surgery, there will be an extended period of rest, treatments and rehabilitation exercises.