The adductor muscles are a group of muscles located in the inner thigh that are responsible for adduction of the hip joint, which means bringing the leg towards the center of the body. There are five adductor muscles in the human body: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, pectineus, and gracilis.
The adductor muscles are important for many activities that require leg movements, such as walking, running, and dancing. These muscles work in opposition to the abductor muscles, which are located on the outer thigh and are responsible for moving the leg away from the center of the body.
Injuries to the adductor muscles can occur due to overuse, sudden movements, or trauma, and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the leg. Treatment for adductor muscle injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy and other rehabilitation exercises. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a torn or ruptured adductor muscle.