There are a number of different possibilities for groin pain .

For athletes, pain in the groin usually means damage to muscles, ligaments or tendons in the vicinity  where the legs connect to the hips. A “groin pull” is a relatively common sports injury that occurs when the muscles of the upper inner thigh (adductor muscles) are overextended or stretched beyond their  normal capabilities .

If you have a groin pull, you often  are aware of when and how it occurred. Pain in the groin area is the major symptom, although some swelling may also occur .

Treating this type of pain is fairly simple: put some ice on it and let it rest. Compression is also helpful, as is elevating the leg in which the pull has taken place. Any number of pain relievers, both over-the-counter and prescription, may be recommended by your medical professional . 


Other Types of Pain in the Groin

In addition to an adductor injury, pain in the groin area may be a symptom of some other kind of problem. Possibilities include the following.

Hernia – This occurs when part of the body pushes its way through a tear or opening in a part near it. This happens most often when part of the intestine bulges through an opening in the abdominal wall. A hernia can cause discomfort in the groin area. Other symptoms of a hernia include swelling, nausea and vomiting.

Soft tissue injuries – Muscles, ligaments and tendons in the lower abdominal wall can be injured or extended beyond their limits. This is most likely to happen during vigorous physical activity or playing sports .

Swollen lymph nodes near the groin - When this happens, it causes discomfort in the groin and may be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.

Testicular cancer – This topic has received a lot of attention the last few years because of Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Armstrong not only survived this type of cancer, but he has become of the most successful and renowned athletes in the world. This fact should not fool anyone into thinking, however, that testicular cancer is easy to cure .

Groin pain, lumps and swelling of the testicles may be symptoms of testicular cancer.

Referred pain – When there is a problem with the lower back, the pain may travel along nerve pathways to other parts of the body, including the groin. Symptoms of referred pain from spinal damage  may include numbness, burning or stinging sensations, or a “pins and needles” feeling.

Kidney stones – Pain from kidney stones often starts in the “flank” area, midway down the back and slightly to either side. But discomfort from kidney stones 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’s probably because of a kidney stone.

Orchitis – this problem causes the testicles to become inflamed and painful. Typically, it’s an infection caused either by viruses or bacteria.  Orchitis is a serious condition and it’s important to  receive medical attention as soon as you can .

  

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