Gilmore's Groin

Gilmore’s groin was named after the man who discovered it, Jerry Gilmore. Gilmore's groin has to do with the tear of the abductor's muscle usually high up, which is close to the attachment of the pubic bone. Sometimes it is referred to as the Sportsman’s Hernia; there is no real presence of a hernia. Gilmore’s groin is common in sports where a huge deal of pressure is placed on the groin and the pelvis area for example soccer.

Though there are differences in the injury, one of the characteristics of Gilmore’s groin is a torn external oblique aponeurosis (ribbon-like structure), the tendon is torn from the pubic bone.

What are the causes of Gilmore’s Groin?

Gilmore's groin is generally observed in athletes, though it may affect individuals that do not participate in sports activities as well. Gilmore’s groin may be caused by an injury due to excessive use, although this can happen suddenly. The groin area is highly susceptible to overuse injuries in sports that involve kicking. Sports such as rugby or football, which involves kicking or twisting movements are the causes of the Gilmore's groin, it results in excessive tension in the groin. This is rare for cyclists and swimmers.

Gilmore’s groin is a complex condition and this is because there are lots of structures which surround the site of injury. An area known as the aponeurosis is where the injury occurs. It is the area where all the abdominal muscles, called transversus abdominus, internal obliques and the external obliques all join to form the inguinal ligament.

The nerves and vessels pass through the archway which is positioned in the external oblique muscle. When Gilmore's groin appears, tearing of the fibres in the external oblique muscles occurs thereby causing the archway to increase in size. More tears appear in the oblique muscle fibres and rise up and away from the inguinal ligament, leaving the transversus abdominus unsupported.

What are the symptoms of Gilmore's Groin?

The symptoms of Gilmore's Groin are listed below:

Deep pain in the athlete's growing that:

• May occur suddenly after exercise or over a long period of time. The patient does not always have to remember the pain-causing event
• It can be extended to nearby areas such as the inner part of the thigh, the perineum or the middle of the body
• It can be stimulated by the application of pressure at the pubic tubercle
• It will be difficult for the patient to take part in sports
• Absent of the Hernia of the inguinal region
• The patient has weakness in the groin while trying to resist sit-ups
• The patient may find it difficult to get relief from pain even after several visits to orthopedic specialists

Gilmore's Groin Treatment

Treatment for Gilmore's Groin requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your groin. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your groin to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil