The diagnosis | Inflammation of the inguinal ligament

The diagnosis

Inflammation of the inguinal ligament is clinically determined. This means that the inflammation can be determined by examination and discussion with the patient alone. Further diagnostics, such as imaging, are often not necessary.

Inflammation of the inguinal ligament is typically accompanied by pressure pain in the groin region. A bruise in this area can also be an indication of an acute injury. To exclude other causes, such as a bone fracture, some movement tests are performed.

In some cases, for example to detect a torn ligament, an MRI scan is necessary. There the extent of the injury can be assessed well. The patient interview is also important for the diagnosis, as possible causes, such as sporting activities, can be found out there.

The symptoms

Inflammation of the inguinal ligament generally leads to pain in the groin region. The pain has a stabbing and pulling character, its intensity can vary. Pulling in the groin during certain movements, for example when spreading the leg or taking large steps, can also be an indication of an inflammation of the inguinal ligament.

Pressure on the inguinal ligament increases the pain. Depending on the severity of the inflammation or the extent of the injury, the pain may already be present when walking. If the adductors of the thigh are additionally strained, the so-called “groin strain“, the pain can be intensified by pressure on the muscles.

In addition, movements such as leg rotation are then also restricted. Bruises are also indications of additional strain on the adductors. In addition to the typical signs of inflammation, pain also occurs when the groin ligament is inflamed.

The pain can be very different depending on the underlying cause. For example, an inflammation caused by pulled groin can cause stabbing, movement-dependent pain. On the other hand, if pelvic organs are involved, dull and long-lasting pain can also occur.

In order to relieve the pain from the beginning, the groin should be compressed, protected, cooled and stored high. This can also alleviate the entire inflammation. In addition, drug-based alleviation of pain and inflammation is an important part of the treatment, alongside causal therapy.For this purpose, so-called “NSAIDs” such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or indomethacin can be used initially, which, in addition to pain relief, also have an anti-inflammatory effect.