Groin pain can stem from various issues, ranging from muscle strains and hip arthritis toinguinalhernias and kidney stones.
Groin pain often worsens upon sitting due to how the hip flexes in this position.
This could be a testicular torsion, which requires immediate surgery.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort, often triggered by joint strain.
The hip is a common location for bursitis, typically due to overuse, injury, or repetitive motions.
Hip bursitis causes groin pain and tenderness which worsen while walking.
It can cause sharp or burning groin pain and sometimes FAI.
Spondylolisthesis can put pressure on nearby nerves, which may lead to groin pain.
It can also cause weakness in the legs, lower back pain, and stiffness.
It usually starts with a dull ache in the groin or buttock.
As it progresses, weight-bearing becomes difficult, causing limping and increased groin pain.
Prostatitis:Inflammation of the prostate is called prostatitis.
It can be acute due to a bacterial infection but is most commonly chronic.
They are common and not dangerous.
Many go unnoticed, while others cause groin pain, scrotal discomfort, and impaired infertility.
Symptoms include particularly painful menstrual cramps, pain during or after sex, and spotting between periods.
Many ovarian cysts are symptomless.
Appendicitis:Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix.
The pain often worsens with movement, coughing, or deep breaths.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that usually requires surgery to remove the appendix.
What Can Be Mistaken for a Pulled Groin?
Groin pain can be linked to issues involving the hips, pelvis, nerves or something else.
Uncommon Causes of Groin Pain
Other causes of groin pain are less common but may be serious.
The pain may begin in the groin and move to the testicle.
Swelling of the testicle may occur.
Less commonly, there may be fever and chills.
This condition is most often sparked by a sexually transmitted infection.
Testicular torsion:This urgent condition happens when the structure that carries nerves to the testicles twists.
This causes severe and sudden groin and testicle pain.
Testicular torsion can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Testicular cancer:This rare but very treatable cancer develops in a testicle.
One of the first signs is often a lump on the testicle, or testicular swelling.
Some, but not all, testicular tumors cause pain.
People with testicular cancer often describe a feeling of heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
Sports hernia:A sports hernia is an unusual injury.
It is usually diagnosed in soccer and hockey players.
It may be triggered by a subtle weakening of the abdominal wall.
A sports hernia causes pain directly over the front of the lower abdomen and groin area.
The treatment is usually rest or surgery.
The main symptom is groin pain, which may worsen while walking or moving the legs.
Infected joint:Septic arthritis is a rare and life-threatening infection of the hip joint.
This is especially true if the tumor is in the area of the inner thigh muscles.
Unlike a groin strain, groin pain from a tumor does not generally worsen with exercise.
Ectopic pregnancy may be life-threatening.
Immediate medical attention, and typically surgery, is necessary.
It typically affects one side and causes sudden, intense pain and vomiting.
Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgery to save the ovary.
Can Sitting Too Much Cause Groin Pain?
For testicular-related pain, elevating and icing the area might be helpful too.
Physical therapy(PT):Physical therapy is often part of the treatment plan for hip-related groin pain.
You might need PT after hip replacement surgery or for managing hip osteoarthritis over the long haul.
PT helps strengthen your leg and hip muscles, improves your range of motion, and boosts flexibility.
Many causes are related to hip injuries or osteoarthritis.
Less commonly, the pain may be the result of nerve injury, tumors, or a testicle infection.
Your healthcare provider may diagnose your condition with a physical exam, imaging, or diagnostic injection.
Some causes of groin pain can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and moderate exercise.
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