The groin area is dominated by the inguinal ligament, which connects the pelvic bone to the pubic bone. Nevertheless, there are many other structures in the groin area, which is why groin pain can have many different causes.
What is groin pain?
A weakly developed musculature in the groin is problematic, so that supporting structures are missing during strain and injuries can occur, which then cause the groin pain. Groin pain is often characterized by stabbing pain in the groin area that severely restricts movement. This is 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. Not only are there many structures in the groin area, various vessels and nerves are also bundled here. In men, the spermatic cord is part of this area, while in women, the so-called uterine ligament is found here. Problems in this area therefore usually lead to the concise pain symptoms. A weakly developed musculature in the groin is problematic, so that supporting structures are missing under load and injuries can occur, which then cause the groin pain.
Causes
The most common and probably best known cause of groin pain is a hernia. In this case, the inguinal ligament and the tissue of the lower abdominal wall can no longer withstand the pressure and gives way in places. Externally 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 located in the groin area can also lead to groin pain. Another possible cause may be a bone fracture in the groin area. Osteoarthritis or inflammation of the hip joint also often cause pain in the groin. In this case, redness, warming or swelling can usually be observed in hip joint inflammation. Urological disorders, such as urinary stones, prostatitis or urinary tract infections can also be causative. Other possible causes of groin pain may include tumors, a blockage of the sacroiliac joint, testicular changes, abscess formation or inflammation. In less problematic cases, groin pain can also be caused by normal growth processes or menstrual cramps.
Diseases with this symptom
- Inguinal hernia
- Groin strain
- Urinary tract infection
- Epididymitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Fatigue fracture
- Femoral neck fracture
- Prostatitis
- Ureteral stone
- Cycle disorders
- Hip joint inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Testicular inflammation
- Testicular torsion
- Lymphadenitis
Diagnosis and course
Due to the various causes, the diagnosis of groin pain should always be made after a thorough examination. This includes not only the medical history and visual diagnosis, but also palpation of the groin area. In particular, imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray diagnostics or sonography can help to determine causes such as malpositions, tumors, bone or inguinal hernias. Furthermore, a blood test can help diagnose inflammatory processes in the body. If groin pain is not treated, it can continue to worsen. In the case of a hernia, the pre-swelling tissue may even be pinched off, causing it to die.
Complications
Inguinal pain is a nonspecific symptom that results from a variety of causes, each of which carries different complications. Typically, a hernia can cause severe pain. Usually, this can be operated on without complications. If left untreated, sections of intestine that pass through the inguinal canal can become trapped, resulting in inferior blood supply. The section becomes inflamed and may also die after a longer period of time. Since an inguinal hernia runs in anatomical proximity to the spermatic cord with the vessels in the male, these can also be pinched and, in the worst case, severed. This results in further pain and also limitation of fertility. Urinary stones can also cause typical pain radiating to the groin.Complications arise mainly when the urinary tract is completely blocked. As a result, the urine backs up in the kidney and an infection can occur. In the worst case, these bacteria can spread throughout the entire organism, causing urosepsis, which often leads to death. In addition, the kidney is also affected, so that it leads to kidney weakness (renal insufficiency). Swelling of the lymph nodes can also happen in the groin. These occur mainly due to infections, but can also be caused by a tumor condition. These infections can spread systemically, as in urosepsis, 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. Usually it is enough to rest the groin area for a few hours and get enough sleep to reduce the pain. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the complaints persist for several days or even weeks or recur repeatedly. If groin pain is a regular occurrence, a sports medicine specialist should be consulted. It is possible that the complaints are based on malpositions that can be corrected by simple measures. If the groin pain continuously increases in intensity and duration, a doctor must be consulted. This also applies if the complaints gradually spread to the trunk and other regions of the body. It is possible that the pain is based on a chronic disease that needs to be clarified and treated. Medical advice is needed at the latest when other complaints such as neck pain or circulatory disorders occur. Groin pain after a cardiac catheterization examination should be discussed with the attending physician to avoid complications and a severe course of the causative heart disease.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of groin pain is initially based on the cause. If the pain is due to a hernia, it is basically treated surgically. Various methods are available for this. Basically, a distinction is made between laparoscopic surgery and surgery in which an incision is made in the groin area. But even with these types there are again different methods to perform them. If the groin pain is not caused by a hernia, the first step is to treat the pain and inflammatory processes. For this purpose, in addition to the classic drug treatment, with tablets, ointments, plasters or cortisone preparations, heat and cold applications or other physical therapies, such as current therapies, are available. If only an inflammatory process due to overstraining is the cause of the groin pain, this can already be successfully treated by these therapies. In the case of menstrual cramps or growth problems in children and adolescents, no treatment is usually necessary or mild pain relief is sufficient. However, if there are serious health restrictions, such as growths, arthrosis, fractures or abscesses, surgical treatment may again be necessary. The nature of this treatment depends on the particular condition. Tumors, for the most part, not only necessitate surgical treatment for groin pain, but also require appropriate chemotherapy or radiation targeted to the particular tumor.
Outlook and prognosis
Because groin pain can have relatively many different causes, the further course of the disease and its complications depend on the underlying disease. However, in most cases, the patient will need to be examined and treated by a doctor, as the groin pain will not go away on its own if the underlying disease is not treated. Groin pain can be severe, resulting in restricted movement. If the urinary tract is completely blocked, this symptom can also lead to groin pain. In this case, an infection can develop, which without treatment can lead to death in the worst case. The kidneys can be severely damaged, so that the affected person is dependent on dialysis. In the case of cancer, the further course of the disease depends to a large extent on the spread of the tumor. Treatment is usually carried out with the aid of surgery and often leads to success. Cold and heat applications are also possible, which can alleviate groin pain.Life expectancy is not reduced with early treatment.
Prevention
Preventing groin pain is possible only to a limited extent. For some causes, it may be helpful to strengthen 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.
This is what you can do yourself
Groin pain should always be examined by a doctor. Accompanying this, there are various home remedies and tricks that help against the discomfort. For groin pain associated with growth problems or menstrual cramps, mild pain-relieving measures such as a warm bath, immobilization or bed rest are sufficient. If the pain is severe, home remedies such as warm compresses or massage can also be used. Antibiotics also have a soothing and relaxing effect on groin pain. Under certain circumstances, physiotherapy or yoga may also be useful. Treatment by neural or physiotherapy can be partially self-administered and includes gymnastic exercises and the use of anesthetic drugs. In addition, smoking should 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 prevent malpositioning and to protect the groin until the underlying condition has healed. Affected persons should also avoid heavy lifting and instead strengthen the trunk muscles under professional supervision. If testicular disease or a tumor is suspected, or if there is visible swelling, groin pain should be discussed with a physician before self-help.
