Groin Pain (Adductor Tendinopathy)

Pathophysiology

The adductors are a group of muscles on the inside of the upper leg and groin area which help to stabilise the pelvis. It is a common site of injury in activities with high running loads, kicking and rapid changes of direction.

Symptoms

• Gradual onset which is usually related to increased load

• Pain in one or both pubic bones and adductors but can also be felt in the lower abdominal region and may radiate down the muscle

• Pain presents after activity and is accompanied by stiffness

• Pain on passive stretching

• Pain on activation- squeezing legs together

• Weakness on pushing the legs apart, loss of acceleration when running, loss of long kicking distance and vague discomfort with deceleration

Management

• Activity modification

• Ice or heat

• Pain relief

• Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme

Investigations

Generally not indicated