Groin pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience that most people have at least once.
Here at Crescent City Orthopedics, we understand how complex the groin area is. It contains several muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that can cause discomfort when injured or strained. Groin pain can be excruciating, affecting your daily activities and making walking or sitting difficult.
Let's explore the various causes of groin pain and the possible treatment options.
There are several reasons why you might have groin pain, including:
The most common cause of groin pain is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that support the hip joint. This type of injury typically occurs during sudden changes in direction or jumping, such as in soccer, basketball, and tennis. Common injuries include a pulled groin muscle, a hip labral tear, or a sports hernia.
Many different conditions can affect the hip joint, including:
You can also experience damage to your hip while playing an active sport.
In men, inflammation or infection of the testicles can also cause groin pain. Some of the conditions that can affect the testicles include:
Though you might feel uncomfortable addressing this issue, we have the expertise to find the root cause and provide the treatment you need.
In women, groin pain can be caused by gynecological issues. Endometriosis, for example, is a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain in the pelvis and groin area. Additionally, ovarian cysts can cause groin pain, as they can grow large enough to pressure surrounding tissues and nerves.
Again, no subject is off the table when you need to address your pain.
Additional causes of groin pain include infections, tumors, and nerve damage. Infections, such as sexually transmitted infections or urinary tract infections, can cause pain in the pelvic region, including the groin.
Similarly, tumors or growths in the pelvic region can pressure surrounding tissues or nerves, leading to pain. Nerve damage can also cause problems in the pelvic area, as the nerves that control bladder and bowel function run through this region.
If you have groin pain, we can give you a comprehensive evaluation to determine its root cause.
Common treatments for groin pain include:
If you have a mild groin strain, the best course of action is to rest and apply ice to the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation and promote healing.
Physical therapy exercises can be beneficial for managing groin pain. A routine of strengthening the muscles in your groin area can improve flexibility.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain caused by groin injuries.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a sports hernia or restore stability to the hip joint. Testicular issues may also require surgical intervention, so it is essential to consult with us if you suspect that you have one of these conditions.
To prevent groin pain, you should properly stretch before and after exercise, wear appropriate gear, and avoid activities that put undue stress on your groin area.
Groin pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but it doesn't have to be. By understanding the various causes of groin pain and the available treatment options, you can take steps to manage your pain and get back to your favorite activities.
You should seek medical attention if you have ongoing or severe pain, which could signify a more serious underlying condition.
If you have groin pain, don’t wait another day to make an appointment with our team. Call us at our Metairie, Louisiana, office today, or book your visit online.
