Medial thigh/groin pain and weakness resulting from injury to muscle

May be acute or chronic

The hip adductors include adductor longus, magnus, and brevis; gracilis; obturator externus; and pectineus.

Adductor longus is the most commonly injured adductor muscle; other muscles involved in groin injuries may include gracilis, iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, and/or abdominal muscles.

3-tier grading system: (i) mild partial tear with pain but minimal loss of strength or range of motion; (ii) moderate partial tear with pain, +/- swelling, and noticeable decrease in strength and range of motion without complete loss of function; (iii) complete tear with severe limitation or complete loss of function

Synonym(s): groin strain; pulled groin

Eccentric loading of adductor muscle (muscle is passively being stretched while it is contracting) is usual mechanism of injury.

Sudden acceleration/deceleration, change of direction, kicking, jumping, and/or overstretching are commonly involved mechanisms.

Increasing age

Previous adductor injury (1)[A]

Weak, inactive, or fatigued adductor muscles have less ability to absorb energy and are more likely to undergo acute strain.

Core muscle weakness