groin strain or not

[booner]

i have discomfort in right groin and down inside leg, i dont remember a pull or anything but more a gradual problem while playing tennis 3 weeks ago, was very sore by the time i stopped the game, never played any football, squash or tennis in the 3 weeks since to rest it, played today and again no actual pull but i can feel that it is not right, as i type this i got a sharpish pain inside thigh/groin, not agony or like though. is 3 weeks not enough rest? i am 44 years old,however, for the last six months i have not played anywhere near as much sport as i used to so cannot believe it is a result of 'overdoing it'- maybe two lots of tennis and an hour of fotball per week and odd game of squash. thank you

[Heidi]

Hi
Have you tried any other treatment alongside the rest period? Examples of suitable treatment include ice (initially - followed by heat or a combination of both), anti-inflammatory medication, gentle stretching, massage etc.
You would probably find these help considerably.
I suspect it is a groin strain, just a very minor one which becuase you didn't feel an incident as such you continued to play which further aggravated it. 3 weeks rest may be enough but what you are probably let with is some resicual muscle tightness and spasm which results in the muscle feeling very tight and even painful on any movement that stretches it.
I would suggest you get some sports massage on it and try to gently stretch it whilst having a couple more weeks rest. Start to gradually work the muscles after this with groin exercises such as static contractions against a ball or using a resistance band.
Make sure you also stretch the hamstrings thoroughly as these are linked to the groin muscles.

[booner]

thanks for the reply!