Groin Pain: Adductor Tendinopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Rehabilitation
Adductor tendinopathy is a common condition, especially among athletes who engage in sports requiring quick direction changes, such as soccer and basketball. It occurs when the tendons of the adductor muscles, located in the inner thigh, become overworked or injured, leading to pain and reduced function. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and proper treatment strategies is essential to prevent long-term issues.
Symptoms of Adductor Tendinopathy
Adductor tendinopathy symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms are;
Groin pain: Pain is typically felt in the inner thigh, often near the pubic bone where the adductor muscle group originates from, or near the knee, where the adductor muscle group inserts into the lower leg.
Stiffness and Weakness: Stiffness may occur after activity, and the weakness becomes noticeable during movements involving hip adduction, such as squeezing the legs together.
Aggravation with Activity: Pain is often aggravated by activities like running, kicking, or rapidly changing direction, which place strain on the adductors. Some athletes experience a “warm-up” effect, where the tendons aren’t painful once they are warmed up.
Causes of Adductor Tendinopathy
Understanding the causes helps in preventing adductor tendinopathy:
Overuse: Repeated stress on the adductors, particularly from running or cutting motions, is a common cause. The tendons become overworked and inflamed due to repetitive strain.
Acute Injuries: Sudden overload or trauma, such as a rapid change in direction, can lead to acute tendinopathy, especially in high-impact sports.
Biomechanical Factors: Poor biomechanics can lead to excessive strain on the adductors, contributing to tendinopathy.
Treatment Options for Adductor Tendinopathy
Adductor tendinopathy treatment can be frustrating and a lengthy process. Our treatment plans focus on:
Initial Management:
Load management: Modifying activity is essential to allow the tendons to heal. This DOES NOT mean complete rest. We aim to keep our athletes training in the presence of an injury.
Ice: Although ice won’t magically cure your pain in the long run, applying ice can help reduce pain, particularly after activity.
Compression: Compressing the area can help relieve pain.
Strengthening:
It is vital to increase the strength of your tendons. This can be done in a variety of ways. Work with your physiotherapist to find the best treatment plan and strengthening exercises for you.
Progressive Loading:
Implement a graduated loading program, where the intensity of exercises is slowly increased as tolerated.
Return to Sport
Adductor tendinopathy recovery time can vary greatly between athletes. The time needed to return to sports depends on the severity of the condition and adherence to rehabilitation. Adductor/Groin pain rehabilitation can be a frustrating process, however, it is common to make a full recovery from this injury.
The Doha Agreement on Groin Pain
The Doha Agreement is a document emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of groin pain, including adductor-related pain. It was developed by specialist medical professionals who deal with hip and groin pain. This consensus aims to standardise treatment strategies for athletes suffering from groin pain, improving recovery outcomes.
Conclusion
Adductor tendinopathy can significantly impact athletic performance, but with early detection and a well-structured rehabilitation program, recovery is possible. Managing symptoms with physiotherapy and progressive exercises ensures long-term success and reduces the risk of recurrence.
