Groin pain is characterized by discomfort that occurs in the area of the body where your abdomen ends, and your leg begins. There are five muscles in this area that work together to move your leg. Most people have heard of groin pain, and many will experience it during their lifetime, particularly if they are involved in sports. While groin pain can be debilitating, there are treatments that can help.
Causes of Groin Pain
By far the most common cause of groin pain is straining the connective tissues in the groin area. This refers to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Although strains can be caused by trips and falls, most occur because of sporting injuries. In fact, groin strains are one of the most common type of injury sustained by both amateur and professional sportspeople.
An inguinal hernia is another common reason for people to experience groin pain. This is where internal abdominal tissues push through a weakened area of the groin muscles, causing pain and sometimes a visible lump.
Signs That You Should Seek Medical Help for Groin Pain
The following are indicators that you should seek medical help for your groin pain if:
You are still suffering from significant groin pain that is not being alleviated using over-the-counter medications or at-home therapies such as heat/cold.
You have pain in your testicles that lasts for more than a few days.
You have a lump or swelling in one or both of your testicles.
You have intermittent radiating pain to or from your groin.
You have blood in your urine.
Your healthcare professional may perform several tests to determine the cause of your groin pain and give you an accurate diagnosis. While sometimes issues can be diagnosed through physical examination alone, many causes, including hernias, require x-rays and other imaging to confirm them.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you require immediate medical condition and should visit your emergency room as soon as you can:
Severe testicular pain, especially if it starts very suddenly.
Testicular pain that is accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and/or blood in your urine.
Groin pain that is also associated with pain in your chest, back, or abdomen.
The source of your issue will be identified, and you will be given the necessary treatment to alleviate your pain and resolve the underlying cause.
Medical Treatment for Groin Pain
Although not all incidences of groin pain will require surgical intervention, if the cause of your pain is an inguinal hernia, you may be recommended to have laparoscopic surgery to resolve the issue. This surgery focuses on strengthening the posterior wall of the inguinal canal so that the tissues are no longer able to push through the muscle.
Since it is performed laparoscopically, the surgery can be performed through three small incisions in your abdomen instead of a single larger incision. This reduces the level of risk associated with the procedure and speeds up the patient’s recovery time. Scarring is also less obvious, and most patients find that it fades significantly over time.
Learn more about when to seek medical help for groin pain, contact Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York in New York, New York at (212) 879-6677.
