Groin Pain

Groin pain is common, but what it feels like won’t be the same for everyone because it can be a symptom of many different conditions. 

The most common signs to look out for include:

• a sharp pulling or a tearing sensation in the inner thigh, which often happens during exercise 

• tenderness of the groin muscles

• a shooting pain or feeling a popping sensation

• a nagging pain or dull ache in your groin, especially when moving your hip

• pain when coughing or sneezing, if the abdominal muscles are also affected

The most likely cause of groin pain is a strain of the muscles, ligaments or tendons, which makes athletes or people who exercise often more likely to get it. 

Other common causes are:

• inguinal hernias

• kidney stones

• bone fractures

Less common causes of groin pain include:

• pinched nerves

• a slipped disk

• endometriosis

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• osteoarthritis of the hip

• intestinal inflammation

• testicular inflammation

• enlarged lymph nodes

• ovarian cysts

You won’t need to see a doctor for mild groin pain. But if it’s severe, doesn’t go away, or you also have a fever or swelling, get medical help.

At your appointment, you’ll be asked about any recent physical activity, and a doctor will examine your groin area. If you have a lump and a hernia is suspected, they’ll press gently over the lump to try to push it back in.

Depending on the results of this physical exam, you may need an ultrasound or MRI scan of the groin area.

It’s not always possible to prevent groin pain, but you can lower your risk by:

• stretching the hip and thigh muscles regularly

• warming up and warming down properly before and after exercise

• gradually building up to any intense or strenuous fitness goals

• wearing correct footwear and equipment during any physical activities

• listening to your body and resting from activity when you need to

Almost everyone will get groin pain at some point in their life, and most cases aren’t serious. In some people, groin pain may be caused by an emergency medical condition like appendicitis, testicular torsion, ovarian torsion, or a strangulated hernia, but this is less common. 

Get emergency help if you have groin pain and:

• you feel sick or are vomiting

• a fever

• sudden severe pain in 1 testicle with no known cause

• painful, visible swelling on 1 side of your scrotum

• a visible lump in your testicle

• sudden, severe pain in a hernia

• inflammation or changes in skin colour near a hernia

Treatment for groin pain will depend on what’s causing it. 

If it’s been triggered by a sports injury, you may need physiotherapy and/or an ultrasound-guided injection. If you’re diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, you may need surgical treatment.

At Welbeck, our groin pain specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.