Hip and Groin Pain

The term 'referred pain' refers to the pain that is felt in another part of the body rather than the place where it has originated from. Pain in the groin region could actually have originated from an injury to the hip joint. An injury to this joint or other structures around the hip could cause the pain to radiate to the upper thigh or the groin region. Severe muscle strains, fractures or any injury that leads to the inflammation of structures in this area commonly causes pain. At times, medical conditions could also be responsible for causing discomfort and pain in the pelvic region. Given below is some information on the common causes of hip and groin pain.

Pain in the Hip and Groin Region

Pain in and around the hip and/or groin is most often a sign of inflammation or damage to any of the structures located in the pelvic region. The pain might arise due to damage to the nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments or tendons in this region. Scroll down to get a basic idea about the conditions that are likely to cause pain in this part of the body.

Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia is a condition wherein a section from the intestine starts bulging out from a tear present in the lower abdominal wall. Lifting weights or straining during bowel movements can weaken the lower abdominal wall and give rise to inguinal hernia. Pregnant women could also be at a risk of developing inguinal hernia as a result of pressure over the pelvic region. They may experience hip pain and groin pain. While pain in the groin region is the most common symptom of hernia, one might also experience pain around the hip region if the nearby nerves that supply sensation to the hip region get irritated. Lifting heavy weights could also cause inflammation of the pubic bone. Medically referred to as osteitis pubis, this condition also figures in the list of underlying causes of groin and hip pain.

Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that lie around the joints. These sacs help in preventing friction between bones and thus facilitate smooth movement. Iliopsoas bursa is one such fluid-filled sac that lies in front of the hip joint. If this sac gets inflamed, one might suffer from pain in hip region. The pain might also radiate down to the thighs and knees. Bursitis could be responsible for causing pain in this part of the body. Inflammation of the ischial bursa, which is located between the lower section of the pelvic bone could also cause pain in this region.

Arthritis
Degenerative diseases can also give rise to pain in and around the hip and groin region. As we age, the joints might get affected due to degenerative joint disorders. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint may be the underlying cause of hip pain in the elderly. The pain might also radiate towards the groin region. The hip joint can also be affected by inflammatory arthritis. The inflammation of the lining of the hip joint due to rheumatoid arthritis could also give rise to a burning hip pain as well.

Transient Synovitis
Transient synovitis of the hip joint is a medical condition that is associated with inflammation of the synovium or the inner lining of the hip joint. This could be responsible for causing pain in hip, thigh, groin or knee of the affected side. It is believed to be associated with viral illnesses. Septic arthritis, which is marked by bacterial infection of the hip joint could also give rise to pain in the hip and/or the groin region.

Tendinitis
Iliopsoas tendinitis is another condition that is included amongst the causes of hip pain. Iliopsoas are deep set muscles that are located at the front of the hip. These muscles are used when you do sit-ups wherein you flex the torso towards the thigh. These muscles also work and help us lift the upper section of the leg towards the torso. Overuse of these muscles is common in case of sports persons. At times, inflammation of the iliopsoas tendon could also be responsible for causing pain around the hip and/or groin region after running.

Pinched Nerves
At times, nerve entrapment could also cause pain. A compressed sciatic nerve is generally associated with lower back pain and pain in lower extremities. Pain may be referred to the hip and the groin region as a result of an irritated sciatic nerve. Entrapment of genitofemoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, ilioinguinal nerve or the obturator nerve might also cause pain in this region. Spinal degeneration, herniated discs, sacroiliac joint problems could also be responsible for causing a referred pain in this region.

If the bones, ligaments, tendons or nerves present in the pelvic region are damaged, there is a great likelihood of one suffering from pain in the hip and/or groin area. Since various medical conditions could be responsible for pain in the pelvic area, doctors can suggest effective treatment options only after the underlying cause is ascertained with the help of diagnostic tests and imaging procedures. While application of heat pads/ice packs, use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids might suffice for some, doctors might resort to surgery if medicines don't seem to work. If you experience pain in this region, don't wait till the condition worsens and start affecting your mobility. Consult a doctor immediately. Don't indulge in strenuous physical activities that may aggravate the condition.