Groin Pain

The groin is an area of your hip between your stomach and thigh. Groin pain consists of any discomfort in the area and is usually caused by straining a muscle during physical activity.

Overview
groin pain

bookings.digestivehealth@onewelbeck.com

02036532009

What is groin pain?

Groin pain consists of any discomfort in the area between your stomach and your thigh i.e. where your abdomen ends and your legs begin.

What causes groin pain?

A common cause of groin pain, most often found in athletes, is a strain of the muscles, ligaments or tendons.

Another common cause is an inguinal hernia, which is a lump in the groin that occurs when the bowels or other tissues are pushed through a defect in the muscular wall of the lower part of the abdomen wall.

Kidney stones (small, hard mineral deposits in the kidneys and bladder) or bone fractures can also cause groin pain.

Less common causes include:

  • Pinched nerves
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Osteoarthritis of the hip
  • Intestinal inflammation
  • Testicular inflammation
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Ovarian cysts

How is groin pain diagnosed?

In most cases, you will not need to see a doctor regarding groin pain. However, if you experience severe, prolonged pain accompanied by fever or swelling then you should contact your GP as this may indicate a more serious condition.

In addition to asking about your recent physical activity, your doctor will examine the groin area. You may need to be referred to the OneWelbeck Sports and Musculoskeletal team if your pain is thought to be caused by a sporting injury.

If you have a lump in the groin and a hernia is suspected, the doctor may press gently with their fingers over the lump and gently attempt to push it back temporarily (this is called “reducing” the hernia).

If there is any uncertainty, your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound scan or MRI scan of the groin. You will then be advised on the treatment options.

Treatment for groin pain

Treatment will depend on your diagnosis. If your problem is of an orthopaedic nature, you may be recommended for physiotherapy and/or ultrasound-guided injection.

If you are diagnosed with an Inguinal Hernia, please visit the corresponding page on this site for details of treatment options.


Contact Us

Condition overview
Groin Pain

Causes

Muscle, ligament or tendon strain, inguinal hern...

Tests

Medical examination, ultrasound, MRI

Treatment

Physiotherapy, ultrasound-guided injection

Groin Pain Specialists

We have brought together a group of leading colorectal and general surgeons and gastroenterologists to create our Digestive Health team. With over 300 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.

Mr Jonathan Wilson

Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Endoscopy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, General Surgery, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disease, Colonoscopy, Groin Hernias, Hernia Repair, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Colon Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Gallstones, Diverticular Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Changes in Bowel Habit, Rectal Bleeding, Haemorrhoids, Rectal Prolapse, Pilonidal Disease.

Mr Oliver Warren

Consultant Colorectal and Hernia Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Groin Hernias, Abdominal Wall Hernias, Minimally Invasive Surgery, General Surgery, Colonoscopy, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, HALO Radiofrequency Ablation, Rafaelo Procedure, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Pilonidal Disease, Haemorrhoids, Anal Fistula, Anal fissure, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Mr James Kinross

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Colorectal Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Procedures (Keyhole Surgery), Colorectal Surgery, Abdominal Resection, Bowel Diversion Surgery, Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery, Gut Microbiome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anal Cancer, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, Appendicectomy, Complex Hernia Surgery, Anal Fistula, Faecal Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Appendicitis, Bowel Obstruction, Robotic Surgery.

View all consultants