What Causes Groin Pain?
The most common cause of groin pain is an injury to the muscles in the area. Other possible causes include inflammation, infection, and other medical problems.
And what treatments work best? Here's everything you need to know about this common problem.
If you think you might have a sports injury, see your doctor right away. You should also try to avoid aggravating the injury by not doing any strenuous activity until your doctor gives you the OK.
What Causes Groin Pain?
There are several different kinds of groin injuries. In some cases, the cause is obvious. A sprained ankle, for instance, will hurt when you put weight on it. Other times, however, the cause isn’t as clear. This is especially true with athletes who suffer from groin strains. These injuries often occur during intense workouts or while playing contact sports.
The Anatomy of the Groin Area
The groin area includes the hip muscles, the adductor muscles (the muscles that pull the thigh inward), and the pubic bone. The pubic bone is located at the front of the pelvis and connects to the ilium (a part of the pelvic bone). The ilium connects to the sacrum (part of the spine) and the coccyx (tailbone). The iliopsoas muscle runs along the side of the body and attaches to the top of the femur (thigh bone).
Common Treatments for Groin Pain
If you feel any discomfort in your groin area, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. There are several different treatments available for groin pain. These range from conservative treatment options such as rest and ice packs to more invasive procedures such as surgery.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you think you might have groin pain, you should see a physician right away. This will help determine whether or not you need further testing or treatment. It’s also important to note that there are some symptoms that indicate a serious condition, so seeing a doctor immediately is essential.