Groin Pain Treatment

Groin pain mostly arises due to partial or complete rupturing of the adductor muscles, tendons and ligaments present in the groin area. Sports injuries causing inflammation of the ligament, muscles and tendons are one of the most common causes of pain in this part of the body. In this article, we will first look into the causes and symptoms of groin pain and then move on to discuss effective groin pain treatment options.

What Causes Groin Pain?

As mentioned earlier, groin injuries are most commonly responsible for causing groin pain in children and adults. Many a time, while playing sports or lifting weights, the adductor muscles in the inner thigh region gets overstretched. Tension in inguinal ligament that is attached to the pubic bone or other ligaments of this region most commonly give rise to pain in the groin area. Osteitis Pubis, which is a medical condition associated with an inflammation of the pubic bone, can also cause pain around the inner thighs. Inguinal hernia is another medical condition that is caused when a part of the intestine bulges out from a tear in the lower abdominal wall. This is caused due to lifting heavy weights, pressure over the abdomen, obesity, abdominal wall weakness or straining during bowel movements. This condition may also give rise to pain in groin area.

Men who suffer from medical conditions such as kidney stones, inflamed lymph nodes, inflamed testicles, testicular tumor or testicular torsion are more likely to suffer from pain in the groin. Though inguinal hernia mostly affects men, pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy could increase the risk of inguinal hernia in women. Women who suffer from kidney stones, genital herpes, urinary infections, ovarian cysts or pelvic problems could also experience pain in and around the groin region.

How to Treat Groin Pain

If one has been experiencing groin pain for sometime, it would be best to consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Blood tests, urinalysis and imaging procedures can help in detecting the cause of pain. If a pulled groin ligament is causing pain in groin region, doctors generally recommend the RICE approach for the treatment of groin pull. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest coupled with application of ice packs can help in reducing pain and swelling in groin region. Use of compression wraps and propping the legs on pillows while resting will also help. Using anti-inflammatory drugs can also help in alleviating pain. Once the injury heals, one can perform groin stretches or go for massage therapy to strengthen the muscles.

In severe cases, where reconstruction of ligaments or tendons is required, a procedure called prolotherapy might be recommended. This involves the use of dextrose injections at the point where the ligament or tendon meets the bone. The injection of dextrose solution helps in repairing the tissues and stimulates the growth of new ligament. It is very effective at alleviating pain caused due to weakness of ligaments. If one is suffering from inguinal hernia, surgery might be recommended. Hernia repair involves making incisions and pushing back the protruded section of intestine. This is followed by sewing back the torn muscle. If pain is caused due to kidney stones, one can either use home remedies for dissolving kidney stones or undergo surgery for the removal of kidney stones. Procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy, nephrolithotripsy or ureteroscopy can also be used for kidney stones treatment.

At times, pain in this area could also be caused due to urinary infections or infections affecting the reproductive organs. These can be treated with the help of drugs. Ringworm, yeast infections or bacterial infections can cause a groin rash, which might lead to pain and itching in groin area. While one can take painkillers for alleviating pain, topical application of medicated creams can help in reducing itching or burning sensation in the groin region. While you are recovering from any of these conditions, make sure that you don't indulge in activities that might cause stress on the muscles and ligaments in the groin region.

Groin pain causes are not just restricted to groin pull. Since serious medical conditions might be responsible for pain in groin region, people suffering from episodes of severe pain in this region must get themselves medically examined. A timely diagnosis and treatment will ensure a speedy recovery.