An adductor strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons along the medial side of the thigh that pull the leg toward the midline of the body. These injuries often cause pain or weakness near the groin. They can occasionally occur along the inside of the thigh down to the knee. They range in severity from stretching of the muscle or tendon fibers, to partial tears, to complete muscle or tendon ruptures. Most commonly these injuries are treated with rest and physical therapy, but occasionally surgical treatment is needed.

Signs and symptoms of an adductor strain

An athlete who suffers this hip and thigh injury typically notices pain in the groin and inner thigh. Typically he feels it immediately, knows that an injury has occurred, and is able to localize the pain to a specific point along the inner thigh.

Physical therapist stretching a patient after an adductor strain

Treatment of an adductor strain

Like most muscle strains and many tendon injuries, the patient usually does not need surgery. Rest from sports and applying ice to the injured thigh can help. As the pain and swelling improve, exercise that does not stress the adductor muscle, such as a stationary bike, can be started. He will then slowly progress through running and sport-specific drills. Working with a physical therapist can help speed recovery and return to play. Occasionally the athlete will get back to play sports in as little as 1 to 4 weeks, but occasionally it can take 6 to 8 weeks or more.

Also read:
Soccer injury: Six of the most common injuries soccer players suffer
Hip injury: 7 common causes of hip pain in active people

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