subject: Groin Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Finding Relief For Groin Pain [print this page] There are many different possibilities for groin pain.
For athletes, pain in the groin usually means an injury to muscles, ligaments or tendons in the area where the legs meet the hips. A "groin pull" is a relatively common sports injury that occurs when the muscles of the upper inner thigh (known to doctors and physical therapists as the adductors) are overextended or stretched beyond their usual capabilities.
If you have a groin pull, you usually recall when and how you got it. Pain in the groin area is the major sign, although some swelling may also take place .
Treatment for this type of pain is fairly straightforward: put some ice on it and let it rest. Compression is also helpful, as is elevating the leg in which the injury has happened. Any number of pain relievers, both over-the-counter and prescription, may be suggested by your medical professional .
Besides an adductor injury, pain in the groin may be a symptom of some other type of condition. Possibilities include the following.
Hernia - This occurs when part of the body slips through a tear or opening in a different part near it. This happens occasionally when part of the intestine bulges through an opening in the abdominal wall. A hernia can result in pain in the groin. Other signs of a hernia are swelling, nausea and vomiting.
Soft tissue injuries - Muscles and tendons in the abdomen wall can be injured or overextended. This is most likely to happen during vigorous exercise or while playing sports.
Lymph node swelling near the groin - When this happens, it results in pain in the groin and may be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.
Cancer of the testicles - This has received a lot of attention in recent years because of Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Armstrong not only survived testicular cancer, but he has become of the most celebrated athletes on the planet. This fact should not fool anyone into believing, however, that testicular cancer is not dangerous.
Groin pain, lumps and swelling of the testicles could be an indication of testicular cancer.
Referred pain - When there is a problem with the lower back, the pain may travel along nerve pathways to other areas, including the groin. Symptoms of referred pain from spinal conditions usually also include numbness, burning or stinging sensations, or a "pins and needles" feeling.
Kidney stones - Pain from kidney stones usually starts in the "flank" area, approximately halfway down the back and slightly to either side. But kidney stone discomfort can also travel down into the groin. If you're feeling sharp pain in the mid-back which crosses down around the front and into the groin, it might be a kidney stone.
Orchitis - This condition causes painful inflammation in the area of the testicles. Typically, it's an infection due to either viruses or bacteria. Orchitis is a serious condition and you should receive medical attention as soon as you can.
Groin Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Finding Relief For Groin Pain
