Synonyms
Inguinal Pain
Definition
The term “groin pain” refers to the occurrence of pain between the abdomen, hip and thigh near the inguinal canal.
Introduction
Groin pain is considered to be particularly unpleasant and is particularly diverse in terms of possible causes. In humans, the groin is located in the lower, lateral area of the abdomen and forms the transition between the upper body and thigh. The groin itself is limited by the iliac crests.
As an anatomical region, the human groin is home to various structures. In addition to the musculature, which is subdivided into different boxes, the groin ligament, nerves and vessels, as well as lymph nodes are located in the area of the groin. For this reason, the causes for the development of groin pain can be so different.
The diagnosis of groin pain is therefore often a great challenge for the doctor. Nevertheless, the cause of the development of groin pain must be clarified urgently and appropriate treatment initiated. The possible disorders that lead to groin pain usually differ in the occurrence of a characteristic pain symptom.
Depending on the respective cause, groin pain shows a different localization. In addition, the fact whether the pain is acute or chronic can in many cases provide a decisive indication of the underlying disease. A sharp, stabbing pain in the groin area that radiates into the thigh, for example, can indicate a hip joint disease.
Dull pain, which is also present at rest, can in turn be caused by cartilage damage. The diagnosis of groin pain is particularly difficult, especially for men. The reason for this is the fact that groin pain in men cannot always be distinguished from complaints in the testicular area.
Persons who experience pain in the groin region over a longer period of time and/or notice abnormalities in this area (for example redness or swelling) should definitely consult a specialist as soon as possible. You can find more general information on this topic on our groin page. Groin pain can be caused by a variety of diseases.
In order to narrow down the possible mechanism of origin of groin pain, the quality and intensity of the complaints perceived by the patient concerned play a decisive role. In general, men are about eight to nine times more likely than women to develop a hernia. The reason for this is the different anatomy of the groin region.
During the development of a boy in the womb, the testicles migrate from the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. Only then can the inguinal canal close. After birth, however, it is possible that the diameter of this canal remains greatly enlarged and represents a weak point.
For this reason, the affected boys have an increased risk of a hernia with inguinal pain throughout their life. In addition, hernia-related groin pain can also develop in adulthood. The main causes of this are predisposition, slackened abdominal muscles and a recurring increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity.
Particularly in smokers and patients suffering from chronic bronchitis, a pronounced increase in pressure in the abdomen can occur during coughing. In addition, constipation and strong pressing during bowel movement can promote the development of an inguinal hernia with groin pain. In addition, young people who put a lot of strain on the abdominal muscles (e.g. during bodybuilding) have an increased risk.
However, physical exertion and repeated excessive strain on the abdominal muscles are not the actual cause themselves, but merely the trigger for the development of an inguinal hernia. Spermatic neuralgia could also cause groin pain. This is an attack-like and severe pain in the area of the damaged N. genitofemoralis.
The diagnosis of spermatic neuralgia is made by means of various imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT and MRI. In women, the anatomy of the inguinal canal is usually significantly narrower. Age-related weakening of the tissue, obesity and previous gynecological operations play a decisive role here.While the risk of developing a simple inguinal hernia in women increases only moderately with increasing age, women are much more likely to develop a femoral hernia associated with groin pain.
An inguinal hernia (technical term: inguinal hernia) is one of the most common diseases leading to the development of inguinal pain. The cause of these symptoms is the passage of the peritoneum and individual intestinal parts through a weak point in the abdominal wall. In contrast to the inguinal hernia, the hernial sac typically emerges in the area of the thigh in the presence of a femoral hernia.
Early treatment of the inguinal hernia is the only way to avoid serious complications. An inguinal hernia that leads to inguinal pain usually requires surgical treatment (hernioplasty). This method is one of the most frequently performed operations in Germany and worldwide.
The timing of the surgical intervention plays a decisive role in the course of the inguinal hernia. Meanwhile, the surgical treatment of inguinal hernia with groin pain is in most cases performed on an outpatient basis. The affected patients are usually able to return to work just a few days after the operation.
The complications of an inguinal hernia with inguinal pain can be much more serious in men than in women. Especially during coughing, lifting or pressing, the hernial sac running through and/or next to the inguinal canal can penetrate into the testicles. As a result, the scrotum of the affected man is significantly enlarged (scrotal hernia).
If the pressure inside the scrotum increases due to the displacement of the intestinal sections, this is not only painful but potentially life-threatening. On the one hand, the intestinal loops in the scrotum can become blocked and cause an intestinal obstruction in the course of this. On the other hand, the blood supply to the testis can be cut off and the testis can die.
Although inguinal hernia with groin pain often leads to complications in men, the intestinal loops can also become trapped in affected women. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted immediately if the groin pain persists. With an early diagnosis and the prompt initiation of a suitable treatment method, the prognosis for inguinal or femoral hernia is very good. Most of the affected patients do not show any symptoms after successful completion of the surgical correction of the inguinal hernia. In some cases, however, a strong strain on the musculature can lead to a recurrence of the inguinal hernia with inguinal pain.
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