Adductor Injury
The hip joints allow for a wide range of movement. It moves forward and backward. Inward and outward. It also moves rotationally. Each of these movements is supported by muscle contractions. Some of these muscles even perform two functions. In most cases, the adductor muscles are involved. And because they are involved there is a higher likelihood of adductor injury.
What does the adductor do?
The adductor muscles function is to do the following:
- Pull thighs together
- Rotate the upper leg inward
- Stabilize the hip
Symptoms of an adductor injury
If you have an adductor tear, there is sudden pain. It feels like a groin pull. There is an interconnected relationship between the muscles that stabilize the hip. It will be too painful to continue running after the injury.
Other symptoms of an adductor injury:
- Swelling in the injured area
- Tenderness
- Movement that holds the knees together will be painful
- Outward movement of the hip results in spasms and pain
Adductor injury diagnosis
Your doctor can determine the diagnosis with a simple exam. Lying flat on your back with your knees on the table. Your doctor will try to pry your legs apart at the knee. This will let them know whether this is an adductor injury.
Other diagnosis options
The symptoms are very similar to sports hernia. It may also be osteoarthritis in the hip joint. An ultrasound or muscle scan may be used to rule out other injuries.
Treatment for adductor injury
Like other running injuries, RICE is the most appropriate treatment. Especially in the early stages of adductor injury. Here are some that you can do yourself.
RICE is an acronym for:
- Rest. Take time off.
- Ice. Apply ice to the afflicted area.
- Compression. Use compression to help with the pain.
- Elevate. Lift the afflicted area above the heart.
Continue to do these into and through any rehabilitation. The most effective way to stretch the muscles safely is the lotus position.
Your doctor or physiotherapist can help with a flexibility and stretching regimen.
Recovery time
Adductor injuries are slow to heal. Over-enthusiasm may again risk scar tissue changing to the bone. It is far better to write off two months to rehabilitate properly than risk more injury.
