Groin Pain
Groin Pain is often a sign of problems within the hip joint. Pain within the hip joint is most often, but not always, experienced in the groin. Pain over the outside of the hip is usually not caused by a hip joint problem, and is more commonly related to Hip Bursitis or a pinched nerve in the back.
Why are hip joint problems felt in the groin?
Just as patients with a heart attack may experience arm pain, or patients with gallbladder problems may experience shoulder pain, patients with hip problems usually complain of Groin Pain. This is called “referred pain,” and it is due to the organization of nerves in our body.
Patients often complain of increased difficulty putting shoes and socks on and an increase in pain walking distances. Many people experience a lean in their gait or walk due to compensation to the other leg so the pain is not so bad.
The best way to determine if the hip joint is the cause of your groin pain is to lie down and have an examiner move your hip through different motions. If this replicates your symptoms of groin pain, then the hip joint is likely the cause of these symptoms.
Are there other causes of Groin Pain?
Yes. Groin pain can also be causes by muscle pulls (groin strains), hernias, and pinched nerves in the back.
Treatment Options for Groin Pain
Treatment options include the following:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Cortisone injections deep into the hip joint
- Use of a cane in the opposite hand of the affected hip to ease gait issues.
