The hip adductors are a group of muscles on the inner aspect of the thigh and are important in activities such as walking and running.
What sort of injuries can occur?
The upper part of the adductors, particularly adductor longus, are particularly prone to injury. Injury may occur suddenly (sometimes called “acute” injuries) or symptoms may come on gradually over time. Sudden injuries are commonly tears within the muscle or avulsions (where the muscle is pulled off the bone). Gradual onset symptoms are more commonly due to tendinopathy, essentially strain on the attachment of the muscles to the pelvic bone. This is often called a groin strain.
What are the symptoms?
Acute injuries cause sudden pain on the inner aspect of groin and thigh. Bruising may develop over the following days. Tendinopathy related pain can occur on exercise or spreading the legs apart. It can be tender to touch the tendons on the inner part of the groin.
How are injuries diagnosed?
Careful clinical assessment is required to make the diagnosis of adductor injuries. Imaging studies, in particular ultrasound or MRI can be useful to assess the degree of injury.
How are adductor injuries treated?
In the majority of cases, adductor injuries can be treated with rest, ice, analgesia, physiotherapy. Occasionally injections can be helpful. Surgery is rarely required for acute injuries though may be considered in higher level athletes, surgery is occasionally necessary if symptoms are persistent despite non-operative management.