Groin Pain: Causes in Men and Women, Symptoms, and Treatment

Groin pain is a common symptom that can occur in both men and women. Unpleasant sensations in the groin area may appear during movement, walking, physical activity, or even at rest. Sometimes the pain is sharp and sudden, while in other cases it is pulling or aching. The causes of this condition can vary — from hip joint disease, spinal problems, inflamed lymph nodes, or pelvic organ issues to muscle tissue pathology.
When groin pain occurs, it is important to pay attention to the nature of the pain, accompanying symptoms, and circumstances in which it appears. For example, pain may radiate to the leg or lower back, worsen when lifting the leg, be accompanied by swelling, fever, or discomfort during urination. Such signs may indicate specific conditions and require timely diagnosis.
In this article, we will discuss the main causes of groin pain in men and women, possible symptoms, diagnostic methods, and modern treatment options. We will also cover when to see a doctor immediately and how to reduce the risk of groin pain.
Groin Pain Caused by Trigger Points
Groin Pain Caused by Trigger Points
Eduard Konkin
Specialty: General Medicine
Experience: 8+ years
Article author
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Why Does the Groin Hurt?

Groin pain can arise from many causes. Clinical practice shows that this symptom is most often associated with the following conditions:
  • Inguinal hernia
  • Inflammation of the lymph nodes
  • Hip joint diseases
  • Spinal diseases
  • Urological and gynecological pathologies
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
Very often, patients search for a long time for the reason why the groin hurts when walking or moving, but examinations reveal no serious pathologies. In such cases, the source of pain may be trigger points in the muscles of the pelvis and thigh.
Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of chronic groin pain.
Palpation for Groin Pain
Palpation of the Pectineus Muscle for Groin Pain

Muscle and Ligament Strains

One of the most common causes of groin pain is muscle and ligament strain. This most often occurs during:
  • Sudden movements
  • Intense training
  • Heavy lifting
  • Falls
  • Unusual movements
The adductor muscles of the thigh are especially vulnerable, as they are involved in leg movement and pelvic stabilization. When a strain occurs, the following appear:
  • Sharp or pulling pain
  • Pain with movement
  • Sometimes swelling or bruising
However, myofascial pain syndrome often develops after an injury. Trigger points form in the damaged muscle and continue to cause pain even after the tissue has healed. In this case, discomfort can persist for weeks or even months.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when internal organs protrude through weakened areas of the abdominal wall or the inguinal canal.
Main symptoms:
  • Pain or heaviness in the groin
  • Bulging in the groin area
  • Increased pain with coughing or straining
  • Size can range from small to large
  • Swelling and bluish discoloration may develop in the case of a strangulated inguinal hernia — this is an acute surgical emergency
Important: Pay attention to the presence of a bulge in the groin area. It may disappear (reduce) when lying down and increase when straining — this indicates an inguinal hernia.

Inflammation of the Lymph Nodes

Inguinal lymph nodes may become enlarged and inflamed due to infections of the skin, genitourinary system, pelvic organs, or immunodeficiency.
In such cases, the following appear:
  • Painful lumps
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Discharge from the genitals
Inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin area indicates the presence of an infection. Palpation will be extremely painful.

Hip Joint Diseases

Groin pain may be associated with hip joint pathologies such as:
  • Coxarthrosis
  • Arthritis
  • Labral tear
  • Femoral head necrosis
In these conditions, pain is often localized precisely in the groin area.
However, in chronic joint pain, the muscles around the joint begin to compensatory overstrain, leading to the development of myofascial pain syndrome. As a result, pain becomes more widespread and may be felt not only in the joint but also in the groin, thigh, and lower back.
When coxarthrosis is present, it is necessary to examine the condition of the muscles around the hip joint, as trigger points may be present in these muscles — and they will be the primary source of groin pain.

Urological and Gynecological Causes

Groin pain may be associated with diseases of the pelvic organs.
In men, these may include:
  • Prostatitis
  • Inflammation of the testicle (orchitis)
  • Varicocele
  • Infections of the genitourinary system
In women:
  • Adnexitis (salpingo-oophoritis)
  • Ovarian cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Endometriosis
In chronic inflammation, secondary tension of the pelvic muscles often develops, leading to the appearance of trigger points. Therefore, even after treatment of the underlying disease, pain may persist due to myofascial pain syndrome.

Spinal Diseases with Pain Radiation

Damage to the lumbar spine can cause pain in the groin area. A disc herniation at the L1-L2 level innervates the groin region — however, hernias at this location are extremely rare.
If osteochondrosis and a spinal hernia are diagnosed on MRI, it is worth examining the psoas major muscle for the presence of trigger points — it is likely that this muscle is the source of the groin pain.

Myofascial Groin Pain

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most underestimated causes of groin pain.
It occurs due to trigger points in the muscles — localized areas of tension and damage to muscle fibers.
Trigger points most commonly appear in:
  • Adductor muscles of the thigh
  • Iliopsoas muscle
  • Rectus femoris muscle
  • Pelvic floor muscles
These tight spots cause:
  • Pulling or aching pain
  • Sensation of tension in the groin
  • Increased pain with movement
  • Radiation of pain to the thigh, lower back, or abdomen
The characteristic feature of myofascial pain is that it is often not visible on ultrasound or MRI — therefore, it is frequently mistaken for other diseases.

Nature of Groin Pain

The type of pain can reveal a lot about its cause. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the sensations and the circumstances of their appearance and relief.
The following types can be distinguished:
  • Dull diffuse pain — pain with blurred edges and unclear localization — muscle pain
  • Pulsating pain — characteristic of vascular diseases of the femoral and iliac vessels
  • Sensation of "catching" in the groin when bringing the leg toward the body — may be either muscular or joint pain
  • Pinching, pressing, drilling pain — characteristic of active myofascial pain
  • Cutting and stabbing pain — for inflammatory conditions and strangulated hernia
  • Burning and tearing pain — for neurological pain
The nature of the pain, its duration, intensity, and dependence on activity and rest can tell a lot about the origin of the pain. Dull aching pain during prolonged sitting is characteristic of muscle pathology.

Acute Groin Pain

Acute pain occurs suddenly and can be very intense. In character, it may be stabbing or cutting. Possible causes:
  • Muscle strain
  • Injury
  • Strangulated hernia
  • Inflammatory process
Sometimes acute pain occurs due to the activation of a trigger point when the muscle suddenly contracts during an awkward movement or becomes overloaded.

Pulling Groin Pain

Pulling or aching pain is most often associated with:
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Muscle overload
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
With trigger points, the pain typically worsens:
  • After prolonged sitting (especially on low seats)
  • When walking (especially uphill or up stairs)
  • When lifting the leg and bringing it toward the abdomen
  • When running — because the range of motion in the hip joint increases

Groin Pain When Walking

If pain appears while walking, the causes may include:
  • Hip joint problems
  • Muscle strain
  • Trigger points in the adductor muscles, iliacus muscle, and pectineus muscle
Many muscles are involved in walking, but forward leg thrust is performed by the iliopsoas muscle and quadriceps femoris muscle, while the adductors stabilize the gait.
With muscle overload from prolonged walking, trigger points can form and become activated. In myofascial pain syndrome, the pain may gradually increase with continued activity.

Groin Pain When Lifting the Leg

This symptom often indicates problems with:
  • Iliopsoas muscle
  • Rectus femoris muscle
  • Pectineus muscle
  • Hip joint (less often)
Trigger points in these muscles can cause sharp pain when attempting to lift the leg or when climbing stairs.

Groin Pain Radiating to the Leg or Lower Back

Radiating pain may be associated with:
  • Pinched nerves (but radiating specifically to the groin is rare)
  • Spinal diseases (groin pain is also quite uncommon)
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
Trigger points can transmit pain over a distance, so the source may be located far from where the discomfort is felt.

Groin Pain on the Left or Right Side

Groin pain may be localized to one side — left or right — which often helps identify its possible cause. Unilateral pain is often associated with muscle overload, injuries, or inflammatory processes.
At the same time, it is important to note that even localized pain may be referred and related to the spine or internal organs. A common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, in which trigger points form in specific muscles. Such pain may worsen with movement, walking, and physical activity.
The characteristic feature of myofascial pain is that it is often not visible on ultrasound or MRI — therefore, it is frequently mistaken for other diseases.

Groin Pain on the Right Side

Groin pain on the right side can occur due to muscle strain, inflammation of the lymph nodes, or the presence of an inguinal hernia. It often appears after physical activity, especially during sports or heavy lifting.
The pain may be pulling, aching, or sharp, worsening with movement. In some cases, it is associated with pelvic organ diseases.
Additionally, a common cause is trigger points in the muscles of the right side, which lead to chronic discomfort.

Groin Pain on the Left Side

Groin pain on the left side has similar causes and is often associated with muscle overstrain or inflammatory processes. It may worsen with walking, bending, or lifting the leg. In some cases, the pain radiates to the thigh or lower back, indicating involvement of nerves or muscles.
Myofascial pain syndrome is also a common cause of left-sided pain. Trigger points can cause long-lasting and persistent discomfort.

Unilateral Groin Pain

Unilateral groin pain is most often associated with local overload or damage to muscles and ligaments. It may appear after exercise, prolonged sitting, or sudden movements. In myofascial pain syndrome, pain arises from trigger points that form in one muscle group.
Such points cause local tenderness and restriction of movement. Without treatment, unilateral pain can become chronic.

Groin Pain in Men

Groin pain in men can be associated with both diseases of internal organs and muscular problems.
It is especially common in men who:
  • Actively engage in sports — chronic overload
  • Lift heavy objects — acute overload
  • Perform physical labor — repetitive monotonous movements
  • Spend a lot of time driving or sitting — physical inactivity and prolonged muscle compression (muscles remain in a shortened state)
This condition requires timely treatment to avoid complications. After inflammation, muscle tension may persist due to the formation of trigger points.

Inflammation of the Testicle and Epididymis

Inflammation of the testicle (orchitis) or epididymis (epididymitis) can cause pronounced groin pain. Symptoms of this condition:
  • Pain in the groin area
  • Enlargement of the scrotum
  • Fever
  • Weakness
However, after the inflammation resolves, chronic muscle pain sometimes remains, associated with tension of the pelvic floor muscles and the formation of trigger points.
Important: If the testicle and scrotum are enlarged, swollen, and have a red or purplish color — these are signs of damage to these structures.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common cause of chronic groin pain in men. The pain may be felt in the groin area, perineum, and lower abdomen. It is often accompanied by discomfort during urination and a general feeling of malaise. The pain may be felt in:
  • Groin
  • Perineum
  • Pelvis
  • Lower abdomen
However, prostatitis is overdiagnosed — it is often blamed for pain that actually originates from other structures (muscles).
Prostatitis must be confirmed by bacteriological testing — that is, a culture is taken to identify pathological bacteria. If there is no infection, then the groin pain is likely not from prostatitis.

Inguinal Hernia in Men

Inguinal hernia occurs significantly more often in men than in women. It manifests as a bulge and discomfort that worsens with physical activity. The pain may be pulling or sharp, especially when muscles are strained. If the hernia becomes strangulated, severe acute pain occurs, requiring immediate medical attention.
Main symptoms:
  • Pain or discomfort in the groin
  • Bulging in the groin area
  • Increased pain with physical activity
An inguinal hernia requires surgery. However, even after surgery, trigger points may remain in the muscles of the groin area, causing chronic pain — even after the hernia has been removed.

Groin Pain in Women

Since there are many gynecological conditions, groin pain is often caused by female reproductive system diseases:
  • PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
  • Ovarian cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • Ovarian torsion
  • Premenstrual pain
  • Ectopic pregnancy

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Inflammation of the uterine appendages, uterus, or fallopian tubes can cause groin pain.
Main symptoms:
  • Pulling pain in the lower abdomen
  • Pain in the groin area
  • Fever
  • Accompanied by vaginal discharge
When the female internal reproductive organs are affected, their function is usually impaired. There may be various types of discharge (blood, purulent discharge) and menstrual irregularities.

Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a benign growth that can cause pain in the groin and lower abdomen. The pain is usually pulling or aching in nature and may worsen with physical activity or sudden movements. In some cases, a woman feels pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area.
If the cyst increases in size, the discomfort may become more pronounced and spread to the groin area.

Groin Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, groin pain occurs quite often and is associated with changes in a woman's body. The growing uterus increases the load on the pelvic ligaments and muscles, which can cause pulling or aching pain in the groin area.
Although pregnancy is a physiological process, it alters the body's center of gravity, leading to additional muscle tension. Sometimes the pain worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. One of the symptoms may be chronic pain in the lower abdomen and groin area.
Painful sensations often worsen during menstruation, physical activity, or sexual intercourse. With long-term progression of the disease, chronic pain syndrome may develop.

Groin Pain During Movement and Sports

Groin pain during movement and sports is a common problem, especially among active individuals and athletes. It can occur due to muscle overload, improper exercise technique, or a sudden increase in load. During movement, the pelvic muscles and inner thigh muscles are actively engaged, so even minor injuries can cause significant discomfort.
Often, the cause is myofascial pain syndrome, in which trigger points form, worsening pain with walking, running, and leg lifting.

Adductor Muscle Strain

Strain of the adductor muscles is one of the most common causes of groin pain during physical activity. These muscles stabilize the pelvis and are involved in leg movement, especially during running and sudden turns. When injured, a pulling or sharp pain occurs in the groin, which worsens with leg adduction or walking. Sometimes a sensation of stiffness and weakness appears in the muscles.
After an injury, trigger points often form, which can maintain pain even at rest.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries to the groin area occur during intense physical activity, especially in team sports. Causes may include sudden accelerations, turns, jumps, or improper exercise technique. Pain may appear suddenly or gradually increase, accompanied by swelling and reduced mobility.
With insufficient recovery, the muscles remain tight, which contributes to the development of myofascial pain syndrome. This leads to chronic groin pain during movement and physical activity.

Iliopsoas Syndrome

The iliopsoas muscle plays a key role in hip flexion and spinal stabilization. When it is overstrained, groin pain occurs, which worsens with:
  • Lifting the leg
  • Running or climbing stairs
  • Sitting on a low seat or squatting
This syndrome is common in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, as well as in athletes. Trigger points can form in the muscle, causing pain that radiates to the groin area and lower back.

Associated Symptoms

Groin pain is often accompanied by additional symptoms that help determine its cause. They may indicate muscular disorders as well as inflammatory or infectious processes.
It is important to consider the nature of the pain and accompanying manifestations in order to seek medical help in a timely manner.
Some symptoms require special attention, as they may indicate serious diseases. A comprehensive assessment of the condition helps establish an accurate diagnosis.

Swelling and Lump in the Groin

Swelling and a lump in the groin area can occur due to injuries, inflammation, or the presence of an inguinal hernia. In the case of muscle injury, the swelling is accompanied by tenderness and restricted movement. When lymph nodes are inflamed, a hard lump and localized tenderness appear.
If a hernia is the cause, a bulge may be noticeable, which increases with strain. This symptom requires mandatory diagnostic evaluation.

Fever

An elevated body temperature most often indicates an inflammatory or infectious process. This may be associated with diseases of the pelvic organs, genitourinary system, or lymph nodes. Additionally, weakness, chills, and general malaise may be present. Ignoring such symptoms is not recommended.
Groin pain combined with fever requires careful attention and a visit to the doctor.

Pain During Urination

Pain or burning during urination often indicates urinary tract diseases. These may include infections, inflammatory processes, or mucosal irritation. The pain may radiate to the groin area and worsen as the bladder fills.
This symptom is often accompanied by frequent urination and discomfort in the lower abdomen. In such cases, a urologist consultation is necessary.

Restricted Mobility

Restricted mobility occurs due to injuries, joint inflammation, or pronounced muscle tension. A person may experience difficulty with walking, lifting the leg, or performing everyday movements. Prolonged restricted mobility can worsen the condition and increase pain.
In myofascial pain syndrome, muscles become stiff and painful, which reduces the range of motion.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

In some cases, groin pain may be a sign of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. It is important not to ignore warning symptoms and to see a specialist promptly. This is especially true when the pain worsens or is accompanied by other dangerous signs.
Early diagnosis helps avoid complications and accelerates treatment. Below are the situations in which emergency care is required.

Severe, Unbearable Pain

Sudden and severe groin pain may indicate a serious injury, muscle tear, or tissue strangulation. Such pain often appears suddenly and does not subside at rest. It may be accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or restricted movement. In such cases, it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible. Self-treatment can be dangerous.

Suspected Strangulated Hernia

A strangulated inguinal hernia is a dangerous condition requiring emergency intervention. The main signs are severe pain, a firm, tender bulge, and the inability to reduce it. The pain may worsen with movement and be accompanied by nausea or general malaise.
This condition requires immediate medical attention. Delay can lead to serious complications, including peritonitis.

Pain with High Fever

If groin pain is accompanied by high fever, this may indicate a serious inflammatory process. Possible causes include infections of the pelvic organs, lymph nodes, or genitourinary system. Additionally, weakness, chills, and general deterioration may occur. In such cases, it is necessary to undergo urgent medical evaluation.

What to Do If You Have Groin Pain

If you have groin pain, it is important not to ignore the symptom and not to continue activity through pain. First of all, it is recommended to reduce physical activity, avoid sudden movements, and provide rest to the affected area. If the pain occurred after a workout or physical load, you can use cold in the first 24 hours and gentle heat afterward. If a muscular cause is suspected, methods aimed at muscle relaxation are effective, including trigger point work.
If groin pain does not go away, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor for diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Groin Pain

Diagnosis of groin pain aims to identify the exact cause of the symptom. Since the groin area includes many anatomical structures, a comprehensive examination is important. The physician considers the nature of the pain, its location, and accompanying symptoms. Special attention is given to ruling out serious diseases and identifying muscular disorders, including myofascial pain syndrome. Only after diagnosis can effective treatment be selected.

Physical Examination by a Doctor

The first stage of diagnosis is a specialist examination. The physician evaluates the nature of the pain, checks joint mobility and muscle condition. Palpation of the groin area is performed to identify painful areas and trigger points. The presence of swelling, bulges, or signs of inflammation is also assessed. Based on the examination, the physician determines the further diagnostic strategy.
The physician must identify the source and type of pain. It could be internal organs, nerves, blood vessels, fascia, damaged muscles, or trigger points in the muscles.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is one of the primary diagnostic methods for groin pain. It allows evaluation of the condition of the pelvic organs, identification of inflammatory processes, cysts, and other pathologies.
The examination is safe and widely used in both men and women. Ultrasound helps rule out serious diseases and clarify the cause of pain. Ultrasound examinations of the vessels of the groin and iliac region may also be performed.
Ultrasound cannot show the presence of trigger points in the muscles and is used only to rule out organ pathologies.

MRI or CT

MRI and CT are used for more detailed imaging of tissues and joints. These methods can detect diseases of the spine, hip joint, and soft tissues. MRI is particularly informative when muscle, ligament, or nerve damage is suspected. The examination helps rule out hidden pathologies.
When muscles are affected by trigger points, the muscle structure does not change and, as a rule, is not visible even on MRI.

Blood and Urine Tests

Laboratory tests help identify inflammatory and infectious processes in the body. The results can reveal the presence of infection, inflammation levels, and the general condition of the body.
Tests are especially important when genitourinary system diseases are suspected. They complement instrumental diagnostic methods. Together, this allows for an accurate diagnosis.
Initially, the following are ordered:
  • Complete urinalysis
  • Complete blood count with ESR

Treatment of Groin Pain

Treatment of groin pain depends on its underlying cause. It is important not only to relieve symptoms but also to address the source of the pain.
For muscular causes, special attention is given to trigger point work and restoring normal muscle tone. An integrated approach allows for faster pain relief and prevents recurrence.
Treatment may include:
  • Medications (for infection, inflammation)
  • Surgical treatment (for strangulated hernia)
  • Physiotherapy (as supportive methods)
  • Massage and manual therapy (trigger point therapy)
  • Therapeutic exercise (to increase range of motion in the hip joint)

Drug Therapy

Medication treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. The most commonly used are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics.
The use of muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm is ineffective. Medications help alleviate the condition but do not always eliminate the cause of the pain. Therefore, they are used in combination with other treatment methods.
For myofascial groin pain, the use of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants is ineffective — since there is neither spasm nor inflammation.

Therapeutic Exercise (Physical Therapy)

Therapeutic exercise plays an important role in recovery from groin pain. Special exercises help restore the pelvic muscles and improve their elasticity.
Regular sessions reduce tension and prevent the formation of trigger points. Exercises are selected individually based on the cause of the pain.
The goal of therapeutic exercise for groin pain is to restore the anatomical range of motion in the muscles — that is, to stretch them (ideally after a massage procedure) — not to strengthen or build them up.

Physiotherapy

Classical physiotherapy may be insufficiently effective for myofascial groin pain. The following may be used:
  • Electrophoresis
  • Ultrasound
  • Myostimulation
  • UHF (ultra-high frequency therapy)
However, specifically for muscular groin pain, shockwave therapy (focused ESWT) is used — to inactivate muscle bands in the muscle tissue using an ultrasound wave.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention is used when indicated and for certain types of groin problems. Here are examples of conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment:
  • Strangulated hernia
  • Lymphadenitis (inflammation of lymph nodes) with suppuration
  • Hydrocele (water hernia of the testicle)
  • Endometriosis
  • Femoral artery aneurysm
  • Thrombophlebitis of the femoral vein
The decision about the need for surgery is made by a physician based on examination. After surgical treatment, it is important to undergo rehabilitation. This helps restore muscle function and avoid recurrent pain.

Trigger Point Therapy in Muscles

Myofascial groin pain is one of the most common and overlooked causes of groin pain. The following procedures are performed to treat it:
  • Trigger point kneading (myopressure)
  • Trigger point dry needling (dry or with drug injection)
  • Manual therapy — post-isometric relaxation of affected muscles
  • Shockwave therapy for trigger points

Prevention of Groin Pain

Prevention of groin pain helps reduce the risk of its occurrence and prevent chronic problems. It is especially important to follow preventive measures for people who lead an active lifestyle or have sedentary work.
Regular attention to the condition of muscles and joints helps avoid overload. It is also important to treat diseases promptly and control physical activity.
Stretching exercises and exercises to maintain range of motion in the hip joint are performed:
  • Butterfly stretch (sitting on the floor, soles of the feet together, knees dropping to the sides)
  • Frog stretch (on all fours, knees spread as wide as possible)
  • Side lunges with stretch (feet wide apart, squat and shift weight from one leg to the other)
  • Forward bend with legs wide apart
The goal of preventive exercises is to maintain maximum range of motion in the adductor muscles of the thigh, gluteal muscles, anterior thigh muscles, and iliopsoas muscle.

Control of Physical Activity

Excessive loads are a common cause of groin pain. It is important to increase training intensity gradually and maintain proper exercise technique. Muscle overload can lead to microtrauma and the formation of trigger points. Regular breaks and recovery help avoid chronic pain. Balance between load and rest is the key to health.

Prevention of Trigger Points in Muscles

An important and effective action is self-massage using massage rollers, balls, and foam rollers. Self-massage is aimed at inactivating trigger points through mechanical pressure and tissue compression. You can apply your full body weight when you find a painful tightness.
Self-massage technique:
  • Place the massage tool under the affected muscle
  • Find the most painful areas
  • Move longitudinally and transversely within a range of 1–2 cm left and right to knead the area
  • Continue for 1–4 minutes until the pain subsides
  • Move to a new area and repeat
After performing self-massage, it is recommended to perform several (3–5) full-range movements of the massaged muscle to restore the reserve of motion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What could be causing groin pain?
Common causes include diseases of the genitourinary system, inflammation of the lymph nodes, hernias, hip joint problems, and vascular disorders. It is also important to check the groin area for trigger points in the muscles.
2. What can radiate to the groin?
It is believed that pain can radiate to the groin from the spine. In reality, groin pain does not come from the spine, but from the iliopsoas muscle, which attaches to the spine.
 3. When should you be concerned about groin pain?
If the pain appears suddenly and is extremely severe, and is accompanied by fever, swelling, a lump or bulge in the groin area, or changes in skin color.
4. Which doctor treats groin pain?
Initially, it is best to see a general practitioner (to rule out acute and serious conditions). You can also see a surgeon, urologist, or orthopedist. However, it is also important to check for trigger points as a possible source of groin pain.
5. Why does the groin hurt for no apparent reason?
This is a classic manifestation of muscle (myofascial) groin pain. Trigger points are not detected on ultrasound or MRI — they can only be identified clinically (through physical examination).
6. What can become inflamed in the groin area in women?
These may include: inguinal hernia, diseases of the genitourinary system, vascular disorders, lymphadenitis, or hip joint problems. However, all of them are accompanied by specific complaints in addition to groin pain.

Sources and References

List of Sources and References:
  1. Travell J.G., Simons D.G. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. — Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  2. Dommerholt J., Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Trigger Point Dry Needling: An Evidence and Clinical-Based Approach. — Elsevier.
  3. Simons D.G. “Review of enigmatic MTrPs as a common cause of enigmatic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.” Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology.
  4. Hesch J.A. “Groin Pain and Dysfunction: The Role of Myofascial Trigger Points.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
  5. Brukner P., Khan K. Clinical Sports Medicine. — McGraw-Hill (разделы о паховой боли у спортсменов).
  6. Weir A. et al. “Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes.” British Journal of Sports Medicine.
  7. Moore K.L., Dalley A.F. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. — Wolters Kluwer (анатомия паховой области).
  8. Национальные клинические рекомендации по лечению болевого синдрома (Минздрав РФ / международные гайдлайны IASP).
  9. Fearon A.M. et al. “Greater understanding of groin pain in athletes.” Sports Medicine.