A severe tear is causes a sudden, acute pain and often occurs during a sudden change of direction while running. It may be accompanied by swelling and sometimes bruises. The most common cause of a groin strain occurs when a muscle is stretched too far or meets an unexpected opposing force. This can result from the quick starts and stops of kicking and running sports. These injuries are especially common in soccer but are also seen in racket sports, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and football.
Common symptoms are acute pain, swelling, and, occasionally, bruising of the inner thigh.
There is also pain to the touch, pain with resistance movements, and pain with passive stretching of the inner thigh and hamstrings. For immediate relief, follow the R.I.C.E. treatment plan. Rest, Ice, Compression and elevation are the best immediate treatment for all pulls and strains. Avoid aggravating activities for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Once activity is started again, ice the muscle after exercise to reduce any swelling.