The hip and groin are a very complex area with everything from the foot up and back down influencing their functioning.
Groin Strain
There are 3 main groin muscles (the adductors) plus another two shorter groin muscles. Together these muscles perform the function of pulling the thigh in towards the mid-line of the body. They are commonly injured in sports which require fast changes in direction and twisting movements. A groin strain can vary in severity from a grade one injury where only a few fibres are torn, to a grade 3 which is a full rupture of one of the muscles.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden onset of pain on the inner thigh area.
- Tenderness to touch this area.
- Pain on bringing the legs together, especially against resistance.
More information on Groin Strains.
Gilmore's Groin
Gilmore's groin has previously known as a sports hernia, but this is not correct. There is no hernia present and no bulge can be felt. Instead it is a tear of several structures around the groin and lower abdomen including the external oblique muscle and the conjoint tendon. Gilmore's groin is often initially thought to be a groin strain, although the failure of normal treatment should result in further investigation.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the groin area on sprinting, twisting and turning exercises.
- The biggest difference in symptoms to a groin strain is that usually there is not a distinct moment of injury.
- Coughing and sneezing may also produce pain because of the involvement of the abdominal muscles.
More information on Gilmore's Groin.
Labral tear
In the hip, there is a ring of cartilage which surrounds the socket part of the ball and socket joint. This is known as the labrum and it increases the stability of the hip joint. Tears of this structure were previously missed a lot of the time, but the increased use of MRI scans have increased the rate of diagnosis. Labrum tears are caused by traumatic injuries to the hip joint such as car accidents or falls.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the hip joint.
- Clicking or locking feelings.
- Stiffness around the joint.
More information on Labrum Tears.
Bursitis
A bursa is a sack of fluid which is located between soft tissues such as a tendon and the underlying bone. Their function is to reduce friction between the two tissues. However sometimes the bursa itself can become inflamed and swollen. There are several at the hip joint which can be troublesome. These include the Trochanteric bursa, the Gluteus Medius bursa, the Iliopsoas bursa and the Ischial Bursa. The Trochanteric bursa is the most frequently problematic. Injuries can be either traumatic from a direct impact to the area, or overuse - from repetitive friction.
More on Bursitis of the Hip.
Visit www.sportsinjuryclinic.net for further information on these and more hip and groin injuries.