Groin injuries

Groin injuries are not only one of the main causes of missed games, but many players with chronic groin pain have their performances severely affected by this condition.

A groin strain is a stretch, tear or the complete rupture of the muscle called the adductor longus, which runs from the pubic bone to the inside of the knee. Groin strains will reoccur often if they are not allowed to heal and rehabilitate fully. 

You also get an adductor longus tendinopathy, caused by a weak inner thigh muscle complex, poor abdominal stability activation, and/or a leg length discrepancy (hence the continual reoccurrence of the injury).

Hernias are also a common feature, and often go hand in hand with adductor tendinopathies.

Needless to say, getting hit by the ball in the groin is very painful and may result in testicular rupture. Wearing a cricket box, also known as a cup, is essential.

Content reviewed and enhanced by Dr Joe de Beer, a well-known orthopaedic specialist, and T-J Malherbe, a physiotherapist. Both are from Cape Town.