Groin Muscle Strain: Recovery Timeline Insights
I’m a 57-year-old male, standing 5’10” tall and weighing 165 pounds, currently on medications including eloquis, losartan, wixella, and flonase. Recently, I experienced an incident where I slipped on linoleum after swimming, leading to a strain in my left groin muscle. During the slip, I noticed an unusual feeling in that area as my foot lost grip on the wet surface. It required several minutes before I could regain my footing. Although I was somewhat able to walk, any lateral movement with my left leg was extremely painful. Thinking that some exercise could be beneficial, I decided to go swimming again on Friday, which in hindsight, was not a wise choice. Two days after the injury, I observed that the inner part of my left leg displayed vibrant bluish-purple marks, resembling finger paint, with lines connecting multiple spots starting from my groin area. The following day, those marks had darkened and increased in size, taking on the appearance of a significant bruise. I also experienced painful cramps during the night that were quite intense—so much so that I fell off the couch due to the severity of the discomfort, despite my typically high pain tolerance. Today, I’ve noticed that approximately a palm-sized area—covering about 60% of the space between my groin and knee—is affected. While lateral movements have improved somewhat, there’s still pain near the groin when I attempt them. For the past few days, I’ve been following the R.I.C.E. method: resting, icing, and elevating my leg. Tomorrow morning, I have a scheduled appointment with my general practitioner. What can I expect during the visit and regarding my recovery process?
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 9:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a significant groin muscle strain with bruising, and you're taking all the right initial steps for recovery with the R.I.C.E. method. At your upcoming appointment, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may discuss your symptoms in detail, which could include assessing the range of motion and strength of your leg. They may also ask about your pain levels and any previous injuries.
Explanation
Muscle strains occur when fibers are torn due to excessive stretching, often caused by sudden movements such as slipping. The bruising you have described typically indicates bleeding under the skin from the strain, and the intense pain and cramps you experienced are common with such injuries. The R.I.C.E. method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—is a standard approach to manage strains and can help alleviate pain and swelling.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Continue R.I.C.E.: Keep resting your leg, icing it as needed (15-20 minutes every two hours), and elevating it to reduce swelling.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Make a list of your symptoms, questions, and any activities that exacerbate your pain. This will help your doctor tailor their examination and advice effectively.
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Expect Recovery Advice: Your doctor might suggest a possible period of rest followed by gradual rehabilitation exercises. Understanding your level of activity and medications will help them create a tailored recovery plan.
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Plan for Pain Management: Discuss options for managing your pain, which may include over-the-counter pain relievers, but be sure to check their compatibility with your current medications, especially since you are on anticoagulants like Eliquis.
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Avoid Strenuous Activities: Until you've had a chance to assess your injury with your doctor, it's best to avoid activities that stress the groin, such as swimming or lateral movements.
It’s great that you’re proactive in your care, and I encourage you to be patient as you heal. If you have any specific concerns about your recovery timeline or what to expect during your doctor visit, feel free to ask.
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