The commonest causes of groin tightness and pain are strains of the adductor muscles, ilio-psoas muscles, or hip joint trauma, such as tear to the labrum of the joint. There will be tightness and discomfort in the groin region; and occasionally associated tenderness too.
The muscles in the inner side of the thigh are the adductor muscles.
The groin muscles are responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and moving the leg towards the midline of the body. They are especially used whilst running (particularly when you change the direction) and whilst kicking.
When the groin muscles contract, tension occurs through the groin; when the tension is undue, because of excessive recurrence or high force, one or more of the groin muscles may get strained or could even tear, resulting in discomfort, tightness, dull to severe pain and distinct reduction of function.
Commonly seen causes include the following:
- A strain in the hip flexor muscles such as the Ilio-psoas.
- Taking part in activities such as hurdles.
- Participating in sports which entail sudden changes of direction.
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is also a significant cause.
- Injury to the labrum of the hip joint may also trigger tightness and pain.
Tightness In Groin Muscles Symptoms
The following are the frequently seen clinical features of groin tightness:
- The individual will usually complain of a feeling of tightness around the adductor and quadriceps area.
- Pain and discomfort is experienced in the groin; and also in other areas, such as the hip, outer thigh and even the lower back. The pain is usually dull aching, and occasionally may be associated with a clicking sensation.
- The condition is mostly unilateral.
- The pelvis may be a little unbalanced. This depends up on which muscles are tight / weak.
- Along with the tightness, there will be pain and sometimes tenderness too.
- Tenderness is usually seen about 3 inches above the medial malleoli and on the medial aspect of the medial arch.
How To Relieve Tightness In Groin Naturally?
Follow these simple guidelines to allay the tightness and discomfort:
- First and foremost, rest is crucial. For the first 24 hours avoid moving the affected part at all.
- Ice application is recommended by doctors. Ice assuages swelling, inflammation and tightness quickly. Apply an ice bag to the groin for 10 minutes, several times through the day.
- Raise the affected area at a higher level; this will help to decrease any swelling almost immediately and thus will ameliorate discomfort.
- Apply compression pressure for the first 48 hours.
- Have a glass of ginger tea daily. Ginger is packed with a compound called gingerols which helps decrease and get rid of tightness and pain almost instantaneously.
- Experts also advice active pain-free exercises to decrease the tightness and tension in the groin.
- After 2 to 3 days, it is recommended that you confer with a physical therapist; she will put you on to a course of exercises to manage the compliant better. Strengthening of abduction and adduction muscles using therabands, pulleys and light weights are beneficial
- After almost 20 days, you may commence cycling, jogging, and swimming.
- After a month you may begin with sport-specific drills, such as, running (straight line), running (figure of eight), rapid changes of direction, etc.