What medication is used for adductor tendinopathy?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to sports medicine research, adductor tendinopathy is a common chronic overuse injury, particularly among athletes in sports involving repetitive movements like kicking and sprinting. The condition often requires more than just medication for effective healing and long-term resolution. This article will help you understand what medication is used for adductor tendinopathy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Quick Summary

Common medications include over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and prescription options like celecoxib or muscle relaxants. Advanced therapies include corticosteroid or PRP injections for targeted relief, often alongside physical therapy.

Key Points

NSAIDs are for short-term pain: Over-the-counter Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like ibuprofen help manage acute pain, but don't address the underlying chronic tendon condition.
Injections are for targeted relief: Corticosteroid injections offer temporary relief for severe pain, while PRP injections aim to stimulate healing in chronic cases.
Risk of injections: Corticosteroid injections carry a risk of tendon weakening, especially with repeated use, and are controversial for long-term management.
Physical therapy is key: Medication supports the more crucial long-term treatment strategy of rest, activity modification, and progressive physical therapy.
Consult a professional: Any use of medication or injections should be discussed with a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Pain is a guide, not a wall: Listen to your body and don’t push through severe pain, but understand that targeted movement is necessary for healing.

Understanding Adductor Tendinopathy and Treatment

Adductor tendinopathy is a condition involving injury and degeneration of the tendons in the inner thigh (adductor muscles), leading to groin pain. Unlike acute tendonitis, which involves inflammation, chronic tendinopathy is often characterized by a breakdown of the tendon's collagen fibers, making inflammation-targeting medication less effective in the long run. For this reason, medication typically serves to manage pain and facilitate a more important treatment component: targeted physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The Foundational Role of Conservative Treatment

Conservative treatment is usually the first step for adductor tendinopathy. Key components include rest and activity modification to avoid aggravating movements like sprinting or kicking, applying ice for pain and swelling, using compression for support, and crucially, engaging in physical therapy for strength and flexibility.

Over-the-Counter Oral Medications

OTC medications are primarily for short-term pain relief. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and acute inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option for pain relief, suitable for those who can't take NSAIDs. Long-term use of NSAIDs should be avoided due to potential risks and limited effectiveness on chronic tendinopathy.

Prescription Oral Medications

For more significant symptoms, a doctor might prescribe stronger medications. This can include COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib for inflammation or muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine if muscle spasms are present.

Advanced Injection Therapies

When conservative treatments are insufficient, injections may be considered. Corticosteroid injections can offer powerful short-term pain relief, but their use in tendons is debated due to risks of weakening or rupture. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, using the patient's own platelets to promote healing, are an emerging option for chronic cases, often used with physical therapy, but can be costly and may not be covered by insurance.

Comparison of Key Medication Types


Feature	Oral NSAIDs	Corticosteroid Injections	PRP Injections
Action	Reduces pain and, in acute stages, inflammation.	Reduces inflammation and provides strong short-term pain relief.	Releases growth factors to stimulate tendon healing.
Use Case	Short-term management of acute pain or flares.	Severe, localized pain interfering with rehab; temporary relief.	Chronic cases unresponsive to conservative treatment.
Longevity of Effect	Temporary, lasts while medication is active.	Short-term (weeks to months), often followed by physical therapy.	Variable; aims for long-term improvement in conjunction with rehab.
Risks/Cautions	GI side effects, renal issues, cardiac risk; ineffective for chronic tendon pathology.	Potential for tendon damage or rupture, especially with multiple injections or poor placement.	Efficacy still debated in some studies; potentially expensive.
Role in Treatment	Supportive for pain; not a cure.	Tool to enable rehabilitation; not a stand-alone fix.	Adjunctive therapy to enhance healing alongside physical therapy.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Treatment Options

Medication for adductor tendinopathy primarily serves to manage pain and support the crucial work of physical therapy and rehabilitation. OTC NSAIDs can provide short-term relief, while injections like corticosteroids or PRP may be used for more persistent cases. However, injections, particularly corticosteroids, carry risks and are not long-term solutions. The most effective approach involves a comprehensive plan including rest, activity modification, and progressive exercise, guided by a healthcare professional. The NIH provides additional resources on tendinopathy treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen are commonly recommended for short-term pain management and to reduce acute inflammation associated with adductor tendinopathy. However, a doctor's consultation is important for proper use, especially for prolonged periods.

No, corticosteroid injections are generally considered a short-term solution for pain relief, often to help a patient tolerate physical therapy. Studies suggest they can have worse long-term outcomes compared to conservative treatments and carry a risk of tendon weakening.

NSAIDs primarily reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants, like cyclobenzaprine, are used specifically to relieve discomfort from muscle spasms that can occur with adductor injuries.

While relative rest from aggravating activities is important, complete rest is not advised for tendinopathy. A structured rehabilitation program with progressive, load-based exercises is essential for long-term recovery.

Oral NSAIDs should generally not be taken for prolonged periods for acute pain without a healthcare provider's guidance, due to potential side effects. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

PRP injections use a concentration of your own platelets to release growth factors that may promote tendon healing. They are an emerging therapy, often used for chronic cases that haven't responded to other treatments, but their clinical efficacy is still under investigation.

Yes, local anesthetic patches, such as those containing lidocaine, can be used for localized pain relief in the adductor region. They work by blocking nerve signals and are an option to discuss with your doctor.