Groin pain

Are you bothered by pain in the groin area that occurs when walking or making sudden movements? Let's find the cause and the perfect solution to this problem.

First of all, it is worth clarifying that the groin area is located in the lower part of the peritoneum and is attached to the hips. It is in this place that the groin area is located, which passes the blood vessels of the hips, both in men and women. As for physiology, in men, the testicle is in the groin area, and in women, the uterus, in addition, the intestines are in the groin.

As a rule, all causes of pain in the groin area are associated with the above-mentioned genitourinary organs, it can be inflammation, prostatitis or even a hernia. Let's take a closer look at the cause of pain in the groin area and try to find the source of discomfort.

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Causes of pain in the groin area

Groin pain can be caused by many factors that are related to the anatomical structure of the body and organism. Your groin is a collection of muscles that are responsible for bending the body, pulling the hips to the body, and much more. You have probably noticed how after an intense workout, a nagging but passing pain in the groin appears.

The inguinal canal is located in the groin area, which consists of large femoral blood vessels. The groin contains intestines that can form a hernia.

Causes of pain in the groin area may indicate diseases such as:

• Tumors and hematomas - both benign and malignant.
• Groin injuries – can occur due to strains or excessive force during exercise.
• Vesiculitis is a male disease caused by inflamed or chilled seminal vesicles.
• Colliculitis is an inflammation of the seminal tubercle.
• Psoas abscess - problems in the iliopsoas muscle.
• Herpes is the cause of pain in the groin area in men.
• Chronic abdominal proptosis – occurs due to poorly developed abdominal muscles.

The list of diseases that cause pain in the groin area is endless. To identify the disease and find the right solution, you need to know the symptoms of pain in the groin area.

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Symptoms of pain in the groin area

Groin pain, in principle, like any other pain, can manifest its symptoms in any part of the body. For example, tingling and numbness in the leg, pain in the lower back, etc. Pain symptoms gradually develop, and pain in the groin area gains momentum. Everything can start with a simple tingling, which will lead to an ovarian cyst or prostatitis.

Pain symptoms:

1. Pain in the leg and joints – manifests itself when walking and making sudden movements. It is difficult for the patient to determine what exactly is the cause of the pain: stretched ligaments on the leg or, after all, the groin area. The cause may be a hernia, urological and gynecological diseases.
2. Pain in the spine or lower back - this symptom has two variants. It can be a disease associated with the groin, that is, urology or gynecology. Or pain in the groin area simultaneously with pain in the spine or lower back indicates osteochondrosis, pinched intervertebral discs.
3. In addition to the symptoms that help determine the disease that causes groin pain, there are several types of pain that help find the problem and the source of the pain.

Sharp pain in the groin area

The appearance of sharp pain in the groin area usually indicates a hernia. In addition, sharp pain is typical for problems with the ureters and kidneys, and testicular torsion is also possible.

Sharp pain in the groin is a symptom of diseases such as:

• malignant tumors;
• inflammation of the testicle - orchitis or testicular abscess;
• painful menstruation - algomenorrhea;
• acute adnexitis – inflammation of the appendages.

If you experience sharp pain in the groin area, you should seek medical help immediately. Since the likelihood that the pain will go away on its own is very small. It is necessary to diagnose the cause of the pain, and, of course, complete treatment.

Aching pain in the groin area

Aching pain in the groin area indicates gynecological and urological diseases that are advanced or chronic.

Aching pain in the groin area may indicate diseases such as:

• Inflammation of the genitourinary system - aching pain can be caused by a banal inflammation. Inflammation in the urinary tract occurs due to bacteria. Pain in the groin area has an increasing nature, at first it is a small inflammation that quickly moves and spreads to the bladder. If you do not pay attention to this problem and do not use treatment, then the pain in the groin will develop into bilateral inflammation of the ureter and renal pelvis.
• Gynecological diseases - very often pain in the groin area is the cause of a chronic disease. This can be: endometritis, adnexitis or prostatitis.
• Drug-induced cystitis – this disease is also characterized by symptoms of pain in the groin. Cystitis or inflammation of the bladder occurs due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the organ. The cause of pain is the abuse of drugs, which in large doses are concentrated in the bladder and can lead to its burn.
• Infectious cystitis - the causative agents of the infection are: E. coli, chlamydia, gonococci, staphylococci, vaginal trichomonads. The main symptom of the disease is aching pain in the groin area.

Pain in the groin area on the right

The most common problem of pain in the groin area on the right is a hernia. A hernia is easy to spot on the body, it is a swelling on the right side of the groin, it is clearly visible when you are standing. A hernia is formed because the internal supporting tissues of the abdomen lose their elasticity, and the intestinal loops fall out of the peritoneum into the groin.

Please note that if you feel pain in the groin area on the right side, but there is no bulge, i.e. no visible signs of a hernia, this may indicate that you have a hidden hernia. To diagnose it, just cough a little, and you will see a small lump in the groin on the right. The most dangerous option is a strangulated hernia, which requires immediate hospitalization and surgery.

Diseases associated with pain in the groin on the right:

• Hernia - we have considered the symptoms and manifestation of hernia above. As for the reason for its appearance, most often it occurs due to lifting weights. So do not overload yourself and test your body for strength.
• A kidney stone, like a hernia, causes pain in the groin area on the right side. The attack of pain occurs unexpectedly and can last from a couple of minutes to several days. In addition to pain in the groin, pain in the hypochondrium, bladder, and lower back indicates kidney stones. If you have pain in the groin area on the right side when urinating and there is blood discharge, you have kidney problems that require immediate treatment.
• Urogenital infections are another cause of painful sensations in the groin. It manifests itself in infections that lead to enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin on the right side. If you see that the lymph nodes in the groin area are swollen, but do not hurt, then this indicates sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia.
• Pelvic infections – cause pain in the groin and legs, possibly enlarged lymph nodes. This may be proctitis, adnexitis or parametritis.
• Pain in the groin on the right may not be associated with the above-described diseases, but may be a symptom of osteochondrosis of the spine. It occurs because the spinal discs compress the nerves that lead to the groin area.

Pain in the groin area on the left

The most likely cause of pain on the left is a hernia. Do not be surprised, since pain from a hernia can occur on both the left and right sides. A hernia causes complications for the entire body, especially if we are talking about a strangulated hernia. This happens when a small rupture of tissue is formed, but the intestinal loops are too large. Without medical assistance, the disease will lead to circulatory problems, destruction of the rectum and even death.

Another disease that manifests itself as pain in the groin area on the left is pelvic infections. Like a hernia, they can manifest themselves as pain in the groin, both on the right and on the left. They represent inflammation of the rectum, most often inflammatory processes affect several parts of the intestine, as a result - severe pain in the groin area on the left.

Don't forget about the lymph nodes. If there are swellings and pressing on them does not cause acute pain, this may be a sign of a benign tumor, and in the worst case, cancer or the first stage of syphilis.

Pain in the right groin area

Discomfort and pain in the right groin area may occur with inflammatory processes in the body. We are talking about diseases of the cecum, inflammation of the vermiform intestine or ileum. Pain in the groin area also occurs with inflammation of the right ovary, polycystosis, oophoritis or cancer.

Athletes often complain of pain in the right groin area. In this case, we are talking about the so-called ARS syndrome. The syndrome is an inflammation of the adductor and rectus abdominis muscles. Inguinal ring syndrome is also possible, that is, significant damage to muscle tissue, which causes pain in the groin, malaise, pain when urinating, painful sensations when walking.

Therefore, before starting treatment of the disease, it is necessary to find out the cause of the pain. To do this, you should seek medical help, do an ultrasound of soft tissues and preferably an X-ray of the pelvis.

Diagnosis of pain in the groin area

Most often, pain in the groin area is a sign of a serious disease that will not go away on its own and requires properly selected treatment. But before we start treatment, let's diagnose pain in the groin area.

Diagnosis of diseases that cause pain in the groin area:

• Inguinal hernia – a hernia can be diagnosed independently. Its presence is indicated by a small protrusion in the groin area, which is easily palpable. During the diagnosis, it is necessary to assess the size of the hernia; this work should be done by a surgeon. The size of the hernia is measured both in the patient's lying position and in a standing position. It is very important to assess the shape of the hernia and its position, as this data will allow the surgeon to give accurate recommendations for treatment.
• Urolithiasis - it is impossible to diagnose pain in the groin area caused by this disease on your own. An examination by a urologist or therapist is necessary. This will allow you to determine the size of the stones in the genitourinary system and quickly cope with the disease.
• Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes - diagnostics involves taking tests - blood and urine. The tests will reveal violations, and the therapist will send you to the right doctor. Problems with pain in the groin, which are associated with lymph nodes, are dealt with by: immunologists, urologists, gynecologists and oncologists.
• Osteochondrosis is a pain in the spine that radiates to the groin. A neurologist diagnoses this disease. As a rule, the entire treatment process is therapeutic exercise, the sessions of which are planned by a physiotherapist. In very complex cases, surgical intervention is necessary.

You already know the cause of pain in the groin area, its symptoms, varieties and know how to diagnose the disease. It's time to learn how to treat groin pain.

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Treatment of pain in the groin area

The first thing you need to do when you experience pain in the groin is to see a doctor. It is the doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis based on the symptoms and prescribe the necessary treatment. Treatment of pain in the groin area is a set of methods that includes physiotherapy, therapeutic massages, medication, or surgery.

• At the first symptoms of pain in the groin, it is necessary to exclude a hernia. Immediately contact a therapist who will refer you to the right specialist. You may need the help of an oncologist, neurologist, surgeon, gynecologist or urologist.
• If there is a possibility that the pain in the groin area is caused by sexually transmitted infections, then it is necessary to take a blood test and smears. This can choose the right treatment for pain in the groin area.
• When groin pain occurs in athletes, due to muscle and tendon strain, the best treatment option is to temporarily stop training or to train in a way that does not put stress on the groin and abdominal area.

Let's look at the pain treatment options, there are many of them, so you can easily choose the option that suits your symptoms and corresponds to the desired course of treatment.

Regime and diet

The regime and diet are the key to successful treatment of any disease. Nutrition rules, a certain daily routine, giving up bad habits and much more - all this allows you to significantly enhance the effect of treatment.

For pain in the groin caused by diseases of the genitourinary system or inflammation of the genitals, a strict diet is necessary. The diet menu should consist of plant-based products, that is, no fats. The diet must include fish and meat, which are steamed. Another important point is the rejection of spices, it is necessary to reduce or completely refuse the use of salt and sugar.

Another option for a regimen and diet for pain in the groin area is to refuse food that irritates the urinary tract. The regimen involves fractional nutrition, that is, the number of meals per day should be at least 5-6, the portions should be small. This will alleviate the symptoms of the disease and not feel hungry from the diet.

If the pain in the groin is caused by bloating, which significantly complicates the disease, then an individual diet is necessary. General nutritional rules: refusal of dairy products, legumes and cabbage.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, they contain a lot of useful acid and vitamins that help the body recover faster. Do not forget about the drinking regime. The body needs a lot of water. This reduces the concentration of uric acid and salt in the urine, and the urge to urinate frequently will help get rid of germs and infection faster.

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Drug treatment

Drug treatment involves the use of drugs that fight the disease. Let's look at several types of diseases that are accompanied by pain in the groin area and drug treatment for them.

Hernia - there are several types of drugs, some are available without a prescription, while others require a prescription and use under the supervision of a doctor.

Over the counter:

• paracetamol;
• tylenol;
• acetaminophen;
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

All drugs have an analgesic effect, but do not fight inflammatory processes. There may be side effects in the form of allergic reactions, itching, dysentery, drowsiness. It is not recommended for nursing mothers, people who have suffered from heart disease or those whose work is associated with the risk of other people's lives.

Please note that long-term use of these drugs does not cure the disease, but turns it into a chronic form, which is much more dangerous, difficult and takes a long time to treat. The dosage of the drugs is indicated on the packaging, so you should not set your own dose or abuse the drugs.

Medicines that not only relieve pain but also treat the disease are prescribed by a doctor. It is the attending physician who prescribes the dosage and duration of taking the medicines.

Urolithiasis - there are several types of drugs to treat groin pain caused by this disease. The most effective are stone-dissolving drugs. All of these drugs are herbal.

Canephron - consists of extracts of rose hips, centaury and rosemary. Has a complex effect on the body: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic. Can be in dragees and drops.

It is necessary to use with a small amount of water. If it is a dragee, then for an adult 2 dragees 3 times a day, and if drops, then 50 drops 3 times a day.

Side effects include allergic reactions. Canephron is not suitable for patients who abuse alcohol, are under 6 years of age, or are intolerant to certain components of the drug.

Cystone is another popular herbal remedy that treats groin pain due to urolithiasis. It consists of 9 herbal preparations that work together to combat the disease.

The drug should be taken 2-3 times a day, 2 tablets, for six months. This is the best option that will completely remove stones and infections from the urinary tract.

Side effects – allergic reactions, frequent urge to go to the toilet, nausea is possible. Contraindications – alcohol consumption and taking with other incompatible drugs.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is of no small importance in the treatment of groin pain. Especially when physiotherapy involves the use of medications.

Physiotherapy for groin pain involves:

• massages;
• therapeutic exercise;
• warming up;
• adherence to the daily routine.

Thus, in case of urolithiasis, the main symptom of which is pain in the groin area, physiotherapy consists of: control over fluid intake, balneological and physiotherapeutic procedures, and, in addition to everything, strict adherence to a diet.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of groin pain is the last resort to get rid of the disease. This method is used only in extreme cases when medication, physical therapy and diet have not helped.

• Inguinal hernia - surgical treatment of inguinal hernia involves repositioning the intestines and closing the peritoneal cavity. Plastic surgery is used for these purposes. Doctors work using a non-tension method of plastic surgery, with the help of which the hernial orifice is closed with a polypropylene mesh, which is fixed to the tissues during the operation. The most important thing in surgical treatment of inguinal hernia is not to touch the nerve endings, as this will provoke additional pain in the postoperative period.
• Urolithiasis - surgical intervention in this case is necessary when the stones are large and medicinal methods, that is, the use of drugs, did not help.

Surgical intervention involves:

• shock wave extracorporeal lithotripsy;
• open surgery, that is, an operation;
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

It is very important to maintain a drinking regimen after surgery. This will allow you to maintain the required level of urine and help wash out bacteria and small stones that were not removed during surgery.

Treatment of pain in the groin area with folk methods

Traditional medicine has centuries of experience in treating various types of diseases. There is also traditional treatment for pain in the groin area.

Recipe #1

Treating Inguinal Hernia with Aloe Leaves

1. You will need a couple of fresh aloe leaves, 2-3 is enough.
2. Wash the leaves and remove the outer skin.
3. Make thin cuts on the plant and sprinkle with baking soda.
4. Wipe the area where you will be applying the aloe with alcohol.
5. Secure the compress with a bandage or put on a bandage.

This recipe will help to get rid of acute pain. It is recommended to carry out the procedures for a month or more.

Recipe #2

Treatment of prostatitis with propolis

1. In order to prepare a propolis mixture for treatment, it is necessary to evaporate 40 grams of propolis in 200 ml of alcohol.
2. Add 2 grams of cocoa butter to the resulting mixture and form candles.
3. The suppositories should be inserted into the anus once a day, preferably before bedtime.
4. The course of treatment is 2-3 months with a break of one month.

Recipe #3

Treatment of hernia with gooseberry leaf tincture

1. You will need about 50 grams of gooseberry leaves and two glasses of boiling water.
2. The grass must be poured with water and left to infuse and cool for 3-4 hours.
3. The tincture should be taken half a glass before each meal, that is, 3-5 times a day.

Treatment with folk methods is not a panacea, but it is a great opportunity to relieve persistent pain that prevents you from leading a full life.

Treatment at home

It is simply impossible to treat any disease at home. You can simply relieve symptoms, dull the pain, but you will not be able to cure the disease completely.

If we are talking about pain in the groin area, then when treating at home, it is worth resorting to physiotherapy methods, understanding the diet and sitting on a diet. Folk remedies and treatment methods will not be superfluous either.

Basic home treatment methods:

• Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water.
• Moderate physical activity.
• Warming up and applying pain-relieving compresses are possible.
• The use of tinctures, ointments and rubs that can relieve pain and muffle symptoms until you seek medical help from a doctor.

How to prevent groin pain?

If you are experiencing pain in the groin area, then in addition to treatment, prevention is necessary. Prevention of pain in the groin area will help prevent the disease from occurring.

The simplest and most common ways to prevent pain in the groin area:

• A healthy lifestyle will help you avoid groin pain. Avoid alcohol and nicotine, fatty and fried foods. Spend more time outdoors, short walks will be useful.
• In the prevention of pain in the groin area, a drinking regime is very important. An adult should drink at least two liters of water per day. Water, tea, coffee or juice do not count. Water helps to flush out infections and bacteria from the body that can cause groin pain.
• Timely treatment – remember once and for all that getting rid of symptoms or dulling the pain will not solve the problem. Protect yourself, treat infectious diseases in time and listen carefully to your body. All diseases are immediately visible on our face and skin condition, even before you feel pain in the groin.
• If you are inextricably linked with sports and you are very familiar with pain in the groin area, and perhaps had an inguinal hernia, then your method of prevention is to avoid heavy loads. Conduct measured training, do not test your body, because sooner or later, it will definitely fail. When lifting weights, it is recommended to wear a bandage or protective belt, which will prevent an inguinal hernia, rupture or stretching of muscles in the groin area.

Groin pain is not the end of life or a fatal disease for which there is no cure. It is simply a signal from your body, notifying that treatment is required, and the sooner the better.