### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
I play hockey and a week or two ago I pulled my hip flexor. I have just recently noticed that my lymph nodes down my groin on the left side are swollen. I was just wondering how long it could take for my injury to heal while I am on the ice 5 days a week (I can only miss 1 or 2 ice times)? My trainer also told me that I may have snapping hip syndrome because when I stand up after sitting for a period of time, I sometimes need to use extra force to stretch my leg as it feels like it wont straighten near the groin. Is it possible this is just because of my hip flexor injury?

### output:

Hi, thanks for writing to Chat Doctor. It seems from the description that you have sustained Groin strain. You need to rest the part and allow it to heal. An MRI scan of the involved area is necessary to know the severity of soft tissue damage. The treatment of Groin strain involves* REST - It is important to rest following the injury to allow the injured muscle to properly heal.* STRETCHING - Gentle stretching is helpful, but it should not be painful.* ICE PACKING - Apply ice to the injured area in the acute phase (first 48 hours after injury), and then after activities. Ice will help calm the inflammatory response and stimulate blood flow to the area.* MOIST HEAT APPLICATION - Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the groin prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat before an activity and ice afterwards* ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION - Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen, Alive, or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calm the inflammation.* PHYSICAL THERAPY - may speed up the recovery process. Therapeutic modalities such as Ultrasound, Massaging and specific exercises will be helpful. Hope this information is helpful. Good day