Adductor strains, commonly known as groin injuries, are among the most common sports injuries. The adductor muscles are responsible for moving the legs sideways, making them critical for sports such as football, soccer, and hockey. Adductor strains can cause debilitating pain and discomfort, making it tough to sleep at night. In this blog post, we’ll explore why adductor strains hurt at night and how to manage the pain to get a restful night’s sleep.
Understanding Adductor Strain Pain:
Adductor strain symptoms are characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the groin, inner thigh, and pelvic region. When the adductor muscles are strained, they become inflamed, increasing fluid and blood flow to the affected area. This process can lead to swelling and inflammation, causing intense discomfort and pain. At night, the body is at rest, allowing it to focus on healing and repairing the affected muscles. However, when the adductor muscles are injured, they do not get enough time to recover fully. The body’s attempts at repairing the strain, such as increased blood flow and muscle contractions, can lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help:
Adductor strains can become chronic and develop into long-term issues if not treated adequately. Seeking professional help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor is advisable to avoid further complications. They can develop a treatment plan that includes rest, rehabilitation exercises, and pain management strategies to help you recover from your adductor strain.
Managing Adductor Strain Pain at Night:
To manage adductor strain pain at night, you should aim to reduce inflammation and swelling. Applying ice or taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Gentle stretching exercises can help improve muscle flexibility and relieve tension, reducing night pain. Sleeping in a comfortable position can also help reduce pain. Using a pillow to elevate your leg slightly can reduce pressure on the affected area, resulting in less discomfort during the night.
Preventing Adductor Strains:
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to adductor strains. Stretching before exercise can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Warming up before training or sports activities can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing muscle strains. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and wearing appropriate footwear during exercise can also reduce the risk of groin injuries.
In conclusion, adductor strain pain can be a nightly disruption to your sleep. Seeking professional help and following a treatment plan, including pain management strategies, stretching exercises, and ice therapy, can reduce the discomfort and promote healing. Preventing adductor strains can also help to avoid further discomfort and pain and ensure you get a restful night’s sleep. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist or chiropractor today if you are experiencing adductor strain pain at night.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist in Kitchener or Waterloo at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!