If you have boys, you know just how active they can be. Typically, boys just shake it off when they get hurt roughhousing and playing. Boys who participate in organized sports are even more likely to downplay any injuries. They don't want to be benched, and their competitive drive and adrenaline can fuel their will to play through the pain. Even the coaches and their teammates may try to downplay an injury.

While this is fairly normal behavior, playing when injured can potentially have long-term consequences and cause more damage. Football, soccer, basketball, hockey players, and track and field participants are all at risk of groin injuries. The jumping, sudden twisting, and abrupt turning can increase the likelihood of injury to the groin. Here's what you should be aware of if your son plays sports.

What Is A Groin Pull?

The groin is the general term for where the upper thighs meet the abdomen. This area is made up of a group of muscles called adductor muscles. When you squeeze your thighs together, you are using these muscles. Some run from your hips to your thigh bone while others run from the hip to your knee. When a groin pull happens, a tear in the muscle occurs. 

What Are The Symptoms Of A Groin Pull?

The primary symptom is pain. How much pain depends on how severe the muscle tear is. It may be only mild discomfort and tenderness in the area, or it may be severe enough to prohibit walking. With a severe tear, there may also be considerable muscle weakness. A gap may even be felt. If the muscle suffered a direct hit, such as being tackled in football, there may also be bruising and swelling.

How Is A Groin Pull Diagnosed?

A doctor will check for other common issues first, such as a hernia, which is common in boys and can cause similar symptoms. If those are ruled out, an MRI will be ordered to determine the extent of the tear. This will be graded from a scale of 1 to 3, with one being a mild tear and 10 being a complete tear of the muscle.

How Is A Groin Pull Treated?

Rest, keeping it iced and elevated, using compression bandages, and taking ibuprofen are the recommended regime for mild tears. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Unfortunately, even a mild tear will take a month or two of rest and therapy to heal completely. This is not the news most boys want to hear but forcing it will only worsen the situation and delay recovery even longer. Once the pain and swelling have gone down, it's important to see a physical therapist who is knowledgeable about sports injuries.

For more information, contact a company like Atlantic Physical Therapy Center.