How to fix groin ligaments?

[TeaNoSugar]

I've had this niggling injury/irritation for a number of years. Along with a tendency to suffer from calf and hamstring cramps, it tends to be the thing that limits my running more than lack of general fitness, or any other injury. The cramp thing I can deal with as it's generally proportional to my level of fitness and I can also help delay the onset with hydration drinks and improving my diet as well, but this groin thing is really annoying.

I've looked up what it is and I think in the diagram below its the adductor brevis, or maybe the pectineus. Basically it's the big ligament that runs from the inside of your thigh, into the middle section of your pelvis right beside your balls, the one that tenses as soon as you try to move your leg inwards from the hips (i.e from a standing position try to swing your left leg right from the hip, across to the right just in front of you and that ligament will tighten up):



Anyway, I find that after a long run, that is the main source of pain that will stop me going any further. 2-3 years ago when I was fitter I tried a few "ultra" training runs of 28-30 miles, and also did quite a few trail marathons which tend to be anything from 24 miles to 29 miles. By the end of these runs those two ligaments were agony and reduced my running gait to a pathetically short stride length due to the way they tightened up and got too painful to carry on. As I've recently started to run regularly again I find that this old aggravation (more than anything else) has returned and stops me from running as far as I'd otherwise want to. I'm nowhere near fit enough to do a marathon or a long fell race justice at the moment but I'd love to get back to the days of doing a 17-20 mile saturday morning run in about 3hrs. I just can't seem to find a suitable exercise to strengthen or increase the flexibility of those ligaments (or are they tendons)?

Any ideas?

[hajaba123]

Could be all sorts despite your self diagnosis.

Step one, see a proper sports physio and see what they say and recommend. I have no idea about your circumstances but weak glutes and core can be a favourite.

Step two, if physio doesn't work and something needs fixing surgically then this guy http://lloydrelease.com/ sorted my groin out a few years ago

I feel your pain, I've been there

[The_Doc]

Don't know where you are in the UK, but in London I'd go and see Ernest Schilders

I've worked with him and he has a specialist interest in this.

[smashy]

Had an op by this surgeon Mr lloyd just a thought http://lloydrelease.com/

[TeaNoSugar]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'd best start off with the cheaper solutions and get myself.to the local.sports physio and see if he can help. I dont imagine in could afford to have my grpin ligaments released by Dr Lloyd. I have a feeling that could be a last resort!