Are you unsure about how to procede in the case of groin strains? Today, we'll share several tips regarding first aid when someone suffers from this type of injury.
Are you an athletic person? Have you ever been diagnosed with a groin strain? “Groin strains” refers to a groin injury that tends to involve pain, discomfort, and – in serious cases – a torn muscle.
This type of injury is common among people who practice some sort of physical activity. Therefore, knowing how to respond to groin injuries is fundamental to prevent the damage from worsening.
One of the factors that can lead to this type of injury is performing an exercise incorrectly. However, groin injuries can also occur as the result of excess tension in the area due to excessive training involving the adductor muscles.
Symptoms of groin strains
It’s important to know that groin strains aren’t usually serious injuries. However, not knowing how to respond in this type of situation can cause the problem to become worse. In fact, it can mean not being able to practice any sports at all for a long period.
Several specific movements can produce groin strains. For example, a sudden kick, such as in football or soccer, is one possible trigger. Performing complicated movements that involve a violent twist, like in figure skating, can also produce this type of strain. What’s more, anything that involves twisting can result in a groin injury.
Depending on the seriousness, groin strains vary regarding the pain they cause. However, it’s important to pay attention to them no matter how little or how much they hurt. Below, we’ll look at how you can determine if you or someone else has this type of injury and how to respond.
Difficulty running or walking: This activity which requires little effort becomes painful. If the groin strain is serious, even taking small steps can produce sharp and intense pain in the area.
Bruises in the groin area: Besides the above symptom, which can vary from mild to very intense pain, bruises may also appear. If you observe hematomas in the area, it’s a sign of significant injury.
Swelling of the groin: When groin injuries occur, the area may swell. This leads to a rigidity that can make walking even harder.
In some cases, when an injury to the groin occurs, it’s normal to listen to hear a snap that indicates that damage. Even if the discomfort is minor, you shouldn’t ignore the issue. The pain will continue to increase and the injury may get worse as the days go by.
Now you know how to recognize groin strains as well as the reasons they may occur. So, the next step is knowing how to apply first aid measures. Remember that it’s essential to apply first aid as soon as the injury takes place.
We’ll explain below.
1. Stretching
In order to evaluate injury to the groin, stretching can be very effective. What’s more, it can help to reduce the pain.
The first means of first aid in the case of a groin strain is stretching. This allows for the release of tension, the relaxation of the muscle, and some relief from the pain.
What’s more, it can help you detect how serious the injury is. Was it a simple pull in the region? Or do you have a torn muscle?
If stretching doesn’t relieve the pain, the area begins to swell and you develop bruises, then you should see a doctor immediately. The same is true if you’re having a hard time walking.
Ice is an accessible solution to help reduce the inflammation that can result from injury. In the case of groin strains, you can apply ice and cold compresses for the next two or three days. It’s best not to apply them directly to the area, as this can burn the skin.
If the injury doesn’t improve after two or three days, you’re unable to walk, you feel a pricking pain in the area, or bruises don’t improve, you should see your doctor. He or she will recommend you to a specialist that will help you treat the injury adequately so that you can begin to recover.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Algafly AA, George KP. 2007. The effect of cryotherapy on nerve conduction velocity, pain threshold and pain tolerance. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
