The pectineus muscle is a flat, quadrangular muscle in the groin and upper thigh.
Pectineus pain can be felt in your groin, inner thigh, or front top of your thigh.
The pain can vary from a dull ache that gradually worsens to a sudden, sharp pain upon injury.
The most common cause of pectineus pain is a strained or pulled muscle.
Treatment for pectineus injuries includes rest, ice, physical therapy, and time.
This article discusses pectineus pain.
Where Is the Pectineus Muscle Located?
The pectineus originates from the pectineal line of thepubic bone, also known as the pectin pubis.
It is the most anterior (closest to the front) of the hip adductors.
What Does the Pectineus Muscle Do?
The main functions of the pectineus muscle are flexion, adduction, and external rotation of the hip.
The pectineus muscle both flexes and adducts the thigh at the hip joint when it contracts.
Adductionis the movement of a limb or other part toward the midline of the body or toward another part.
Flexion can go as far as the thigh to a 45-degree angle to the hip joint.
What Causes Pectineous Pain?
Pectineus muscle injuries occur from moving the leg too far to the side or front of the body.
This can be due to overstretching the muscle or rapid movements.
You may hear a pop or snap when the injury occurs.
Pain can range from mild to severe.
These tests show:
Treatment
An injured pectineus muscle can take time to heal.
A mild to moderate groin strain can take three weeks to six weeks of rest or more to heal.
A complete tear could require surgery (which is rare) and up to a three-month recovery period.
Initial Treatment
Initially, a pain management plan will usually include acetaminophen andnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Standard procedure regarding home care of this key in of strain can be remembered by the initials P.R.I.C.E.
Ice reduces swelling and pain.
Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin for protection.
Once the swelling goes down after the first few days, apply heat.
Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin, as it can cause burns.
Physical Therapy
After the initial healing period, your healthcare provider may refer you to physical therapy.
Surgery
Most pectineus muscle injuries heal on their own.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a torn groin muscle.
After surgery, physical therapy is typically needed to restore the full functioning of the hip.
Prevention
Pectineus injuries can often be prevented by stretching your groin before and after activities.
Most pectineus injuries heal on their own in time.
To ease discomfort at home, ice and rest the injured area.
Rice University.Types of body movements.
Anatomy and Physiology, Chapter 9.
Kiel J, Kaiser K.Adductor strain.
Harford HealthCare Hartford Hospital.Groin strain (pull).
Kaiser Permanente.Groin strain: Care instructions.
2018;6(7):2325967118784898. doi:10.1177/2325967118784898
