Lump on adductor muscle

[nev182]

Hi,

I would be really grateful if anyone has any ideas on my injury. I'm 28 and run approx 40-50 miles per week. Just over 2 weeks ago I noticed that my groin / upper thigh felt quite stiff and painful following a run. The next day it felt the same but instead of resting; I warmed it up and went out for a hilly run (stupid I know). The following morning it really hurt and was subsequently painful to walk on. After a week I noticed a small lump in my groin (on what I think is my adductor muscle), which is not painful when I press it. Is this just a straight forward groin strain?

After 2 weeks of complete rest I couldn’t feel it when I walked so went out for 2 very gentle 20 & 30 min runs over the weekend. It felt a more stiff and painful again this morning – i guess i’m wondering what the course of recovery is for an injury such as this. It tends to hurt more in the morning and eases during the day, and Ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory gel definitely relieve the symptoms.

Hope this makes sense; thanks in advance. :-)

[nev182]

Sorry i forgot to ask - should i expect the lump to go? Will this indivate that the injury is recovered? Are there any stretches / exercises i should / should do?

Thanks again.

[Heidi]

Hi
I would suggest you get this checked out, at least by your Doctor. Any lump which appears in this area should be checked in case its a hernia.
If you get it checked and its all fine then rest for a good 2-4 weeks and keep going with the anti-inflammatories as pain in the morning suggests inflammation is present.
Also start to stretch all of the hip muscles (groin, thigh,hamstrings,buttocks) to make sure you have full groin range of motion. Start off gently and increase gradually.
After a couple of weeks of this, try to start strengthening the groin muscles with resisted contractions and then resistance band exercises. You can find these here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/frontthigh/adductrupture.htm

[nev182]

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for you're advice. I've been to the GP who said it isn't a hernia. I've bought a foam roller to self massage the area and will try those stretches & exercises you suggested. When will it be ok to run on it again? Should i expect some discomfort from stiffness when i run on it, or should it be completely pain free?

Thanks, Nev :-)

[Heidi]

Only you will know when it is ok to run again. There is no definitive time scale as everyone heals at their own rate and it will depend on the severity of the injury and the treatment it receives.
When you do return to running, start very gradually, probably with run/walk sessions lasting only 10 minutes or so and then very gradually increasing. You may find that this causes some stiffness or aching, but it should not be painful and any mild discomfort should be gone within around 24 hours. Make sure you also have 2 rest days inbetween when returning and ensure any stiffness etc from the last session has completely gone.