The groin area is dominated by the inguinal ligament, which connects the pelvic bone with the pubic bone. However, there are many other structures in the bar area, which is why Groin pain can have many different causes.
What is groin pain?
Groin pain is often characterized by stabbing and severely restrictive pain in the groin area. These are mostly unilateral but can also occur on both sides. Often the pain can be traced back to a triggering event, such as a “wrong” movement, but occasionally the pain develops slowly.
In the area of the groin there are not only many structures, various vessels and nerves are also bundled here. In men, the spermatic cord is part of it, in women, on the other hand, the so-called maternal ligament is found. Problems in this area therefore mostly lead to the distinctive pain symptoms.
The problem is that the muscles in the groin are weak, so that supportive structures are lacking during stress and injuries can occur, which then cause groin pain.
causes
The most common and probably best known cause of groin pain is an inguinal hernia. The inguinal ligament and the tissue of the lower abdominal wall can no longer withstand the pressure and give way in places. Outwardly visible swellings occur, which are caused by tissue pressing outwards, mostly parts of the intestine.
A strain of the inguinal ligament or a lesion of the nerves or vessels in the groin can lead to groin pain.
Another possible cause can be a broken bone in the groin area. Osteoarthritis or hip joint inflammation often lead to pain in the groin. In the case of hip joint inflammation, reddening, warming or swelling can usually be observed.
Urological disorders such as urinary stones, prostatitis or urinary tract infections can also be the cause. Other possible causes of groin pain can be tumors, a blockage of the sacrum and iliac joint, testicular changes, abscess formation or inflammation.
In less problematic cases, groin pain can also be triggered by normal growth processes or menstrual cramps.
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➔ Medicines for painDiseases with this symptom
- Inguinal hernia
- Groin strain
- Urinary tract infection
- Epididymitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Fatigue fracture
- Femoral neck fracture
- Prostate inflammation
- Ureteral stone
- Menstrual cycle disorders
- Inflammation of the hip
- arthrosis
- Inflammation of the testicles
- Testicular torsion
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Diagnosis & course
Because of the different causes, the diagnosis of groin pain should only be made after a thorough examination.
This includes not only the anamnesis and visual diagnostics, but also feeling the groin area. Imaging methods such as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), computed tomography (CT), x-ray diagnostics or sonography can help determine causes such as malpositions, tumors, bone or inguinal fractures.
A blood test can also help diagnose inflammatory processes in the body. Failure to treat groin pain can make it worse. In the case of an inguinal hernia, the bulging tissue can even be pinched off and thereby die.
Complications
Groin pain is a non-specific symptom that arises from various causes, each with different complications. An inguinal hernia can typically cause severe pain. Usually this can be operated on without complications. If left untreated, intestinal sections that go through the inguinal canal can be pinched and thus have less blood supply.
The section ignites and can also die off after a long time. Since an inguinal hernia runs in anatomical proximity to the spermatic cord with the vessels in men, these can also be pinched and, in the worst case, severed. This leads to further pain and reduced fertility.
Urinary stones can also cause typical pain that radiates into the groin. Complications arise especially when the urinary tract is completely closed. This causes the urine to back up in the kidney and an infection can occur. In the worst case, these bacteria can spread over the entire organism and thus cause urosepsis, which often leads to death.
In addition, the kidneys are affected, so that it leads to kidney weakness (renal insufficiency). Swelling of the lymph nodes can also occur in the groin. These are mainly caused by infections, but can also arise from a tumor. As in urosepsis, these infections can spread systemically and lead to the life-threatening situation.
When should you go to the doctor?
Groin pain usually has harmless causes and usually goes away on its own. It is usually sufficient to rest the groin region for a few hours and to get enough sleep to reduce the pain. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the symptoms persist for several days or even weeks or if they keep recurring. If you have regular groin pain, you should speak to a sports doctor. The complaints may be caused by misalignments that can be remedied by simple measures.
If the groin pain increases continuously in intensity and duration, a doctor must be consulted. This also applies if the symptoms gradually spread to the trunk and other parts of the body. The pain may be due to a chronic illness that needs to be clarified and treated. Medical advice is required at the latest when further complaints such as neck pain or circulatory disorders arise. Groin pain after a cardiac catheter examination should be discussed with the attending physician in order to avoid complications and a severe course of the underlying heart disease.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
The treatment of groin pain initially depends on the cause. If the pain is due to an inguinal hernia, this is generally treated surgically.
Various methods are available for this. A basic distinction is made between laparoscopic operations and operations in which an incision is made in the groin area. But even with these types there are different methods of carrying them out.
If the groin pain is not caused by an inguinal hernia, the pain and inflammatory processes are treated first. In addition to classic drug treatment with tablets, ointments, plasters or cortisone preparations, there are also heat and cold applications or other physical therapies, such as current therapies, available. If only an inflammatory process caused by overloading the groin pain, this can already be successfully treated with these therapies.
In the case of menstrual cramps or growth problems in children and adolescents, no treatment is usually necessary or a slight pain relief is sufficient. However, if there are serious health restrictions such as growths, osteoarthritis, fractures or abscesses, surgical treatment may again be necessary. The type of treatment depends on the particular disease.
For groin pain, tumors usually not only require surgical treatment, but also require appropriate chemotherapy or radiation that is tailored to the particular tumor.
Outlook & forecast
Since groin pain can have many different causes, the further course of the disease and its complications depend on the underlying disease. In most cases, however, an examination and treatment by a doctor is necessary for the patient, since the groin pain does not go away on its own if the underlying disease is not treated.
The groin pain can be severe, leading to restricted mobility. If the urinary tract is completely blocked, this symptom can also lead to groin pain. This can lead to an infection which, in the worst case, can lead to death without treatment. The kidneys can be severely damaged, so that the person affected is dependent on dialysis.
In the case of cancer, the further course depends heavily on the spread of the tumor. The treatment is usually carried out with the help of a surgical procedure and is often successful. Cold and heat applications are also possible, which can alleviate the groin pain. Life expectancy is not limited with early treatment.
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➔ Medicines for painprevention
Preventing groin pain is only possible to a limited extent. With some causes it can be helpful to strengthen the abdominal muscles and avoid or reduce excess weight. Heavy objects should not be lifted alone as this can also lead to a hernia. However, these preventive measures cannot completely prevent the causes of groin pain.
You can do that yourself
Groin pain should always be evaluated by a doctor. There are also various home remedies and tricks that help against the symptoms. For groin pain in connection with growth problems or menstrual cramps, light pain-relieving measures such as a warm bath, immobilization or bed rest are sufficient. In the case of severe pain, home remedies such as warm compresses or a massage can also be used. Antibiotics also have a soothing and relaxing effect on groin pain. Physiotherapy or yoga may also be useful.
The treatment with neural or physiotherapy can partly be taken over by yourself and includes gymnastic exercises and the use of anesthetic drugs. Smoking should also be stopped or at least reduced. Groin pain as a result of obesity or urinary stones can be countered with the help of dietary measures.
The right footwear helps to avoid misalignments and to protect the groin until the basic ailment has healed. In addition, those affected should not lift heavily and instead strengthen the core muscles under professional supervision. If testicular disease or a tumor is suspected, or if there is visible swelling, the groin pain should be discussed with the doctor before self-help.
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