Groin pain (groin pain): What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Groin pain; Pain – groin; Lower abdominal pain; Genital pain; Perineal pain

What is groin pain?

Groin pain is a general term, used to describe any type of persistent pain or discomfort in the upper thigh area, where the legs meet the belly. The location of this pain can vary depending on the cause.; it can be localized in a certain place, spread throughout the groin or have a sensation of irradiation, that spreads to other parts of the body. Groin pain can affect multiple muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as bodies and structures in this area.

The term "groin" is commonly used to refer to the area between the lower abdomen and upper thigh., which includes the testicles or ovaries in males and females, respectively. It also covers the inguinal canal (pass, through which the spermatic cord and round ligament of the uterus enter the abdominal wall). Thus, groin pain can be caused by anything in the lower abdomen, thigh or even back.

Causes of pain in the groin

Groin pain can have many causes. Common causes of groin pain include muscle strain, Hernia, sports injuries, ʙursit, osteoarthritis, tendonitis and fractures. It can also be a symptom of a more serious illness., such as an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, deep vein thrombosis or infection, such as sepsis.

Muscle tension

Muscle tension is the most common cause of groin pain. Sprains occur, when muscle fibers are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. Groin stretch, also called groin sprain, usually occurs due to excessive stretching of the muscles of the lower abdomen and inner thighs. Groin strains are common among athletes, involved in sports, requiring fast repetitive movements, like hockey, football and basketball.

Hernia

Hernia is a disease, in which an organ or other structure protrudes due to weakness of surrounding muscles or connective tissue. Inguinal hernias occur in the area of ​​the body, where the stomach lining weakens and creates an opening, allowing organs or fatty tissue to push outward. The most common type of hernia in the groin is the inguinal hernia..

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can also cause groin pain.. Sports injuries can occur in any activity., but more common in contact sports, like hockey, basketball and rugby.

Bursit

Bursitis is a condition, caused by inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled bag, reducing friction between bones, muscle, tendons and skin. Inguinal bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, located in the groin, which may be caused by infection, hip anatomy or certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage between bones at joints. It is a common cause of groin pain in middle-aged and older people..

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which are strands of connective tissue, attaching muscles to bones. Inguinal tendonitis is often caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the area..

Fractures

Groin fractures are rare, but may occur after severe trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. Groin fractures can also result from a direct blow to the area or from overstretching of the muscles..

Less common causes of groin pain include:

• Inflammation of the testicle or epididymitis and related structures
• Torsion of the spermatic cord, attached to the testicle (testicular torsion)
• Testicular tumor
• kidney stone
• Inflammation of the small or large intestine
• Skin infection
• Enlarged lymph glands
• Urinary tract infection

Groin pain symptoms

The most common symptom of groin pain is discomfort., tightness or soreness in the area between the lower abdomen and upper inner thigh. Pain may be constant or intermittent, and can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms of groin pain include:

• Difficulty walking or standing
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip or leg.
• Swelling or redness in the groin area
• Popping or clicking sensation in the groin
• Groin pain, which is aggravated by certain actions or movements.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing groin pain, it's important to talk to your doctor, to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor can evaluate the symptoms and determine the cause of the pain, and determine the best course of treatment. If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe pain in the groin
• Unable to apply pressure to the affected area
• Signs of infection, such as redness, edema, fever, chills or hot/warm skin
• Unexplained weight loss
• Any signs of shock, such as confusion, dizziness, paleness or fainting

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When visiting a doctor for groin pain, it is helpful to be prepared with information about your symptoms.. Doctor, probably, ask questions about the location and severity of pain, as well as any other symptoms, which may be. He may also ask about medical history, any recent activities or injuries, as well as any medications or supplements, that you take. Here are some questions, which the doctor may ask:

• Where the pain is felt?
• How long have you been in pain?
• Does the pain get worse with certain activities or movements?? If yes, what?
• Do you have any other symptoms, such as swelling or redness?
• Do you have a family history of illness, that could cause pain?
• Have you taken any medications or supplements, that can cause pain?

Diagnosis of pain in the groin

Diagnosis of groin pain depends on the cause. Doctor, probably, conduct a physical examination, which may include a range of motion check, as well as palpating lumps or painful areas. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also order additional tests., which may include:

• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count or differential blood count
• Ultrasound or other scan (MRT, CT scan)
• Analysis of urine

In some cases, the doctor may also request lab tests to look for markers of infection or underlying conditions..

Groin pain treatment

Treatment plan for groin pain depends on the cause. In most cases, groin pain can be treated with self-help and home remedies., however, in more serious cases, medical intervention may be required. Here are some possible treatment options:

home treatment

• Recreation. Take breaks in class, that cause pain, and let your body rest.
• Ice. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression. Wear loose clothing or a compression bandage on the area of ​​pain.
• Climb. Position the affected leg, to lift her up a little..
• OTC drugs. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help manage pain.
• Physiotherapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve muscle function and reduce pain.

Medical interventions

• Medicines, prescription. Severe cases of groin pain may require medication, prescription, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics.
• Operation. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair a hernia or fracture..
• Physiotherapy. A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise program to strengthen and support the muscles and joints in the groin area.

Prevention of groin pain

Although it is not always possible to prevent groin pain, there are some steps, you can take, to reduce the risk. Here are some tips, how to prevent groin pain:

• Stretching and warming up before training. Always take time to stretch before any physical activity, to prevent groin injuries.
• Wear supportive shoes. Shoes, Provides adequate cushioning and arch support, help protect your feet, Ankle, knees and hips.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight may increase the risk of groin pain and injury.
• Avoid shock loads. Such activities, like running or jumping, may increase stress on the muscles and joints of the groin.
• Maintain proper form: make sure, that you use proper form when performing any physical exercise, to reduce the risk of injury.

Groin pain can be a debilitating and painful condition.. It's important to talk to your doctor, if you experience any symptoms of groin pain, as early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of pain. With the right treatment plan and self-care, you can reduce your risk of groin injuries and prevent future groin pain..

Used sources and literature

Larson CM, Nepple JJ. Athletic pubalgia/core muscle injury and adductor pathology. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee Sink & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.

Reiman MP, Brotzman SB. Groin pain. In: Giangarra CE, Manx RC, eds. Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 67.