Groin Pain

Groin pain is caused by soft tissue disruption that affects an area of the groin near the genitalia also called as the 'inguinal region'. Such a tissue disruption is usually called as a sports hernia and the medical term for it is an 'inguinal disrupiton'. There is discomfort in the region where the abdomen ends and the legs begin.

Symptoms

• pain is usually initiated by running, changing direction, accelerating and kicking
• pain occurs in the lower abdomen which radiates into the inner and upper thigh
• pain is experienced after exercise and after getting out of bed the morning after exercise
• there is pain in the area between genitalia and anus and in men, testicular pain can be felt
• pain can be diffuse or severe and sharp

Causes

• Hernia : This means that the organ pokes out of the muscle wall that holds the organ, it is called as a Hernia. This is accompanied by a protruding bulge, pain, discomfort and weakness.
• Kidney stones : This is a solid piece of material formed in the kidney out of the substances in the urine.
• Orchitis : This is an inflammation of the testicles.
• Groin swelling : This is a swelling in the groin joint area.
• Renal stones : these cause radiating pain.
• Groin condition
• Hip condition : Conditions like arthritis, fracture, gout and dislocation.
• Testicular injury
• Scrotum pain
• Pelvis fracture
• Swollen groin lymph nodes
• Spinal disc disease
• Referred pain
• Pain is located in the testicle
• Enlarged lymph glands : This is the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes.
• Epididymitis : This is the inflammation of the epididymis which is the tubular structure connecting the testicle with the vas deferens.
• Testicular torsion : This is a torsion of the testis.
• Leydig cell tumor : This is a tumor of the testicle. It is developed from the cells in the testicles that release the male hormone.
• Muscle pull
• Certain medications like Android, Striant, Testopel, Androgel, Virilon also are the causes

Diagnostic tests
Physical examination : If any swelling is seen in the groin, it is an evidence of groin pain. If this is not clearly visible, then if the person coughs the lump may appear visible. In case the lump expands with coughing and there is a cough impulse, this is an inguinal hernia. If the skin overlying the groin lump appears red then this indicates strangulated hernia or abscess. If the lump is reducible, this is a femoral or inguinal hernia. The skin of leg is examined for any proof of infection that drain to the groin lymph nodes. Pulsability of the lump suggests for femoral artery aneurysm.

Urine tests : Urinalysis and urine microscopy is done. Swab and culture of the base of any genital lesions is done to diagnose genital herpes, Chancroid and syphilitic ulcer.

Radiological investigation is done which involves Arteriography, Venography or Doppler ultrasound, CT scan of the pubic symphysis, Bone scan and X-ray of the pelvis and lumbar spine.

Blood tests : Full blood count and ESR, Renal function tests and electrolytes

Treatment
As unresolved chronic groin pain is generally due to ligament laxity in the pubic symphysis joint, a good solution is to strengthen the joint with Prolotherapy. It is a very efficient natural medicine treatment for repairing tendon, ligament and cartilage damage. This is given to the back joint of the pelvic bone, the sacroiliac joint. Also the unresolved abdominal or inner leg pain that are part of the referral pain pattern of the ligaments involved. Prolotherapy stimulates the body and repairs the painful regions. This induces a mild inflammatory reaction in the weakened ligaments and cartilage. Pain is effectively reduced as this treatment attacks the fibro-osseous junction that is a region having many sensory nerves. Additionally, the tissue strengthening and pain relief by Prolotherapy is permanent.