Suffering from Groin pain? Know Everything about it

Pain which occurs in the area of your hip between your abdomen and thigh, located where your abdomen ends and your legs begin is known as groin pain. Playing a sport is one such physical activity which can cause an injury resulting in pain in the groin. 

A strained or pulled muscle in the groin is one of the most common injuries among athletes. Hernia is another common cause of groin pain, especially in males; less common reasons include testicular issues, kidney stones, hip arthritis, hip fracture, inguinal hernia, tumours or nerve injury. Reviewing some symptoms of this pain, including their frequency, onset, severity and location can help pinpoint the underlying cause.

Depending on the severity and the cause of the symptoms, the treatment may involve surgery, physical therapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Healthy lifestyle choices and moderate exercise can also prevent some causes of pain in the groin.

What is Groin Pain?

Discomfort that occurs where your lower abdomen and upper thigh joins is called groin pain. Injury is the cause in most reported cases, this may involve a pulled or strained muscle in the groin area, hernia, etc. Mild groin pain is often dealt with by self-treatment through pain relievers or rest and a doctor’s consultation is required in severe cases.  

What Causes Groin Pain?

Groin pain can happen to anyone and is a common symptom, with some causes being more common than others. Ligament, tendon or muscle strain are amongst the most common causes, especially in athletes who play sports like football, soccer and hockey. The pain may linger for months or weeks or immediately after an injury. The pain may be worsened by continued use of the injured area on both the left and right side. 

Less commonly, kidney stones, fractures or hernias might cause groin pain. The pain in the groin area can also be sometimes caused by a testicle condition. 

Therefore the Most Common Causes are:

Injury

Strain of the tendons, ligaments or muscles in the groin area are one of the most common causes of groin pain and found predominantly amongst athletes. 

Also Read: Neck Pain Explained

Inguinal Hernia

When intestinal tissues push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin region, it may result in inguinal hernia- where a bulging painful lump appears around the groin. 

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard and small mineral deposits in the bladder and kidneys. 

Bone Fracture

Another term for a broken bone is a bone fracture. 

The least common causes are:

• Enlarged or swollen inguinal lymph nodes
• Hip osteoarthritis 
• Pinched nerves
• Orchitis, which is the inflammation of the testicles 
• Ovarian cysts
• UTIs (urinary tract infections) 
• Inflammation of the intestines

How to Treat Groin Pain?

Treatment for groin pain will depend on the underlying cause. Minor strains can often be treated at home and medical treatment may be required for more severe pain. 

Home Care

Groin pain can often be treated at home by taking rest, using ice packs or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, however, if you have symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, blood in the urine or sudden swelling or pain in the testicles then you should seek immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider may diagnose your condition with a diagnostic injection, imaging or a physical exam. 

Taking a break from physical activity for four to eight weeks and resting will allow the strain to heal naturally. Your doctor will let you know when you can start doing normal activities. 

To manage discomfort and pain, you can take pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. 

Using ice packs and applying them for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, a few times a day can help as well.

Medical Treatment

A doctor might prescribe medications which reduce inflammation to relieve your symptoms if the home care methods don’t work for your strain. A doctor might advise you to go to physical therapy if you have recurring strains and those medications don’t work. 

Surgery may be required if a bone fracture or an inguinal hernia is the cause of your groin pain. 

When to See a Doctor for Groin Pain?

If you have moderate to severe pain in your testicles or groin for more than a few days, then you should talk with a doctor about your symptoms. 

Reach out to a doctor if you:

• Experience pain that spreads to your abdomen, chest or lower back
• Urinate blood
• Feel nauseous or develop a fever
• Notice physical changes in the testicles, like swelling or lumps

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these symptoms along with your groin pain. They could indicate a more serious condition, like testicular cancer, twisted testicle (torsion) or testicular infection. 

Conclusion

Pain in the groin area can be caused by an injury or hernia, affecting the mobility and day-to-day life of a person. In mild cases, one can opt for self-treatment however if that doesn’t work, it is always advisable to seek medical help from an experienced orthopaedic doctor. Timely care and help can ensure unrestricted physical movement for a person.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult an orthopedic doctor, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Dr. Ashwani Maichand at the CK Birla Hospital. (Booking Link)

FAQ’s

Can a Hernia Cause Pain in the Groin?

Yes, one of the most common causes of groin pain is a hernia, especially inguinal hernia. It happens when the contents of the abdomen bulge through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall.

How to Relieve Groin Pain during Pregnancy?

Resting when required, being active, wearing supportive shoes, and putting equal weight on each leg while standing and sitting down while getting dressed or undressed are some ways to ease groin pain for females. Your physiotherapist may also recommend crutches to help you get around or a pelvic support belt to relieve pain.