Lymph nodes in the groin | The inguinal ligament

Lymph nodes in the groin

As a conduit, the groin contains not only the arterial and venous vessels of the legs, but also the lymph vessels that drain excess fluid from the lower limbs.These lymph vessels form a multitude of lymph nodes in the groin, which serve as control centers. Since they are quite large in the region, they can often be palpated. There is not always a reason for this, but in most cases the nodes can be palpated in the event of infections, such as inflammation of the pelvic organs.

An immune reaction against the pathogen then takes place in them, which is why more immune cells migrate and thus cause an increase in size. However, it should be kept in mind that tumors also colonize lymph nodes when they spread and also cause an increase in size. Read more about: Swelling of lymph nodes in the groin

Groin strap pulling

The inguinal ligament strain is caused by a rapid lateral movement of the leg. The adductors of the thigh are affected. These are the muscles that are located on the inside of the thigh and pull the leg towards it.

In most cases, the inguinal ligament strain occurs as a sports injury and mainly affects footballers, hurdlers, swimmers and ice hockey players. But also a congenital malposition of the hip or an incorrect running technique can lead to a pulled inguinal ligament. A pulled inguinal ligament can be divided into three degrees of severity.

In a slight first-degree strain, the fibers of the adductors are overstretched, with a maximum of 5% of the fibers being torn. The affected person feels slight pain in the groin region, but light exercise is still possible. In the case of a second-degree inguinal ligament strain, more than 5% of the muscle fibers are torn and the patient feels pain when pressure is applied to the adductors.

In addition, pain occurs even under light loads such as running or even walking. The third degree of inguinal ligament strain is characterized by pronounced ruptures of the muscle fibers, which are accompanied by bruising, swelling and severe pain. The pain of a pulled inguinal ligament occurs on the inner side of the thighs, where the adductors are located.

The pain is increased when the leg is spread outwards. Depending on its severity, the pain occurs at high loads or already at low loads such as walking. In any case, the diagnosis also includes an X-ray examination of the pelvis to rule out a possible malposition of the pelvis or wear and tear of the joint.

Training should be stopped immediately in the event of a pulled inguinal ligament. It is helpful to cool the groin area in order to relieve the pain and prevent possible bleeding. Raising the legs is also helpful for this.

In the further course of treatment, heat treatment, stimulation current therapy, lymphatic drainage and physiotherapy are often helpful. Taking magnesium can also support the healing process. Sport should be avoided during this time.

Depending on the severity of the disease, the course of the illness varies in length and can last from a few days to about ten weeks. In order to prevent a renewed inguinal ligament strain, regular stretching exercises of the thigh muscles and thorough warming up before training should be followed.