Groin and Leg Pain

Research shows groin and leg pain is one the most common reasons for Americans to visit their physicians. Groin, back and leg pain can either be experienced together or separately and usually, have common reasons for their occurrence like strains, overuse and other physical injuries. The groin muscles usually include five adductor muscles (the pectineus, adductor brevis and adductor longus (called short adductors which go from the pelvis to the thigh bone), the gracilis and adductor magnus (long adductors which go from the pelvis to the knee). These muscles are present in the upper thigh region, which pulls the legs together when they contract. The adductors are attached from the pelvis to the femur (thigh bone), which also helps to stabilize the hip joint. Hence, any inflammation or injury of these muscles can cause left or right groin pain. A person may experience pain in the groin while walking or even while resting and in extreme cases the pain can be so severe that he/she may not be able to perform a simple task like lifting a pencil from the ground.

Causes of Leg and Groin Pain

• Groin Strain: A groin strain is a tear or rupture to any one of the adductor muscle due to an abrupt or rapid movement of the leg while running, changing direction or moving against the resistance like kicking a ball. Repetitive overuse of the groin muscles may cause adductor tendinopathy, resulting in pain in the groin and leg areas.
• Hernia: Hernia is another common cause, which occurs when a part of the internal tissue (fat, muscle, intestines, etc.) bulges or protrudes through a weakness in the overlying abdominal wall.
• Sciatica: Sciatica is a acute spasmodic leg pain, that radiates from the back into the buttock region and then down the back of the leg. Being a common cause for lower back, groin and leg pain, it occurs due to excessive use or pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs down the leg.
• Injury: An acute groin or leg injury due to a direct blow, stabbing injury, an accident, a fall or a leg turned in an abnormal position, can be a prime cause. Excessive use or stress on an injured area by overdoing an activity, can eventually lead to muscle strains or tears, which may cause swelling and pain in the groin and leg areas.
• Osteitis Pubis: Commonly misunderstood for muscle strain, osteitis pubis is an inflammation of the pubic bone, that may cause pain around the groin and leg areas, while performing any physical activity.
• Round Ligament: Round ligament is a common cause for groin and leg pain during pregnancy, experienced by most of the women. During pregnancy, the thick ligaments that hold the uterus, called round ligaments, become longer and thinner as the uterus increases in size and weight. This may irritate the nearby nerve fibers, which results in pain in the groin and adjacent areas.
• Other Factors: Kidney stones, tumors, inflamed or pinched nerves can be some other reasons.

Treatment Options
The treatment for this ailment mainly depends upon its underlying cause. If the pain is due to a muscle pull or strain, R.I.C.E. treatment i.e. (rest, ice, compression and elevation) provides immediate relief from pain and swelling. There are many over the counter anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers that can help to reduce the pain and inflammation. Pain due to an injury can be cured through physical therapy or some strengthening or low intensity exercises, that will not only subside the pain but prevent re-injury.

Mild to moderate groin and leg pain usually does not warrant immediate medical attention and can be cured by taking self care at home. However, swelling and severe pain that may unable the person to walk or perform routine activities seek immediate medical attention to prevent long term damage.