Topic Overview
You may have had a minor groin problem at one time or another. Most of the time, our body movements do not cause problems. It's not surprising that symptoms may develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.
The groin areas are located on each side of the body in the folds where the abdomen joins the legs. The pubic area lies between the two groin areas.
Groin injuries most commonly occur during:
- Sports or recreational activities, such as ice hockey, cross-country skiing, basketball, and soccer.
- Work-related activities.
- Work or projects around the home.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
Groin problems and injuries can cause pain and concern. Most minor problems or injuries will heal on their own. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve symptoms and heal.
Groin injury
An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a stabbing injury, a fall, or from the leg turned in an abnormal position.
Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on an area. This often happens when you overdo an activity or repeat the same activity day after day. Overuse can lead to muscle strains or tears or may cause swelling, such as bursitis.
Other causes of groin problems
Groin pain not caused by an injury may be coming from other parts of the body. This is called radiating, or referred, pain. Pulled muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the leg may cause symptoms in the groin. It is important to look for other causes of groin pain when you have not had an injury.
An inguinal hernia is a bulge of soft tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area. See an illustration of an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia may need surgical treatment. A sports hernia may affect the same area of the groin in competitive athletes.
Rashes
Rashes in the groin area have many causes, such as ringworm or yeast. Most rashes can be treated at home.
Groin symptoms in children
When a child develops groin pain, the pain may be caused by a problem with the upper part of the thighbone (head of the femur) or the hip. Common causes of groin pain, knee pain (referred pain from the hip), or limping include:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. This condition affects the blood supply and proper placement of the head of the femur in the hip socket.
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. This condition occurs when the femur slips at the growth plate (physis) and does not fit in the hip socket correctly.
- Developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). This condition is caused by abnormal development of the hip joint. The femur may fit loosely into the hip socket (subluxation) or be completely out of the hip socket.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the joint space of the hip (toxic synovitis).
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This disease causes inflamed, swollen, stiff, and often painful joints.
- Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis). This is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection inside the hip joint.
Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a health professional.
Emergencies
Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- Signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, clammy skin, weakness, or a feeling that you are about to pass out
- Severe pain in the groin with nausea and vomiting
Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.
- A problem with the penis, scrotum, or testicle: Go to the topic Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
- A urinary problem: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older or Urinary Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
- Exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
- A cut: Go to the topic Cuts.
- A hip injury or problem: Go to the topic Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Hip Problems and Injuries, Age 11 or Younger.
- Lower abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older or Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.
- A rash on other parts of your body as well as in the groin: Go to the topic Rash, Age 12 and Older or Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
- A problem develops after a groin operation: Go to the topic Postoperative Problems.
Note: If you recently had a medical procedure such as a heart study (coronary angiogram) and have developed a lump or bulge, pain, or bleeding in your groin area, report your symptoms immediately to the doctor who did the procedure.
Have you had an injury to the groin?
See significance of groin injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have severe pain that has not improved after 5 minutes?
Are you unable to put weight on the leg affected by your groin injury?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you have moderate pain that has not improved after 1 hour?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have swelling and bruising in the groin that has not decreased after 24 hours of home treatment?
Does your child have mild groin pain without other symptoms that has not improved after 48 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have pain in the groin but you have not had an injury?
See significance of groin pain without an injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have dark or red urine?
Do you have severe pain and know or think you have a fever?
Do you have severe pain and swelling in the scrotum?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have moderate pain without other symptoms?
Does your child have groin or knee pain and he or she is limping?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Does your child have mild pain that has not improved after 48 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have a lump, bulge, or swelling in the groin?
See significance of a lump, bulge, or swelling in the groin if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have severe pain and a lump or swelling in the groin?
Do you have severe pain and a known inguinal hernia?
Do you have diabetes and a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Do you have peripheral arterial disease and a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system and a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have moderate pain and a lump or swelling in the groin?
Do you have a new lump or swelling in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Do you have new swelling or bulging in the groin after lifting or straining?
Do you have a new lump or swelling in the groin that you think is a swollen gland (lymph node)?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a new swelling in the groin for longer than 24 hours, but do not have pain?
Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the affected area after 24 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Have you had any lump or swelling in the groin without other symptoms for longer than 2 weeks?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
See significance of a rash if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
If you have a rash or sores in the groin area, do not have sexual contact or activity until you have been evaluated by your health professional. This will reduce the risk of spreading a possible infection to your sex partner. Your sex partner may also need to be evaluated and treated. |
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have diabetes and a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Do you have peripheral arterial disease and a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system and a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as redness or pus?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a rash in the groin with signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus?
Do you have sores or blisters in the groin area that have not been evaluated by a health professional?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have small red bumps spread over the groin area and severe itching, especially at night, for longer than 24 hours?
Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the affected area after 24 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you think you have jock itch and the rash has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
Home Treatment
Home treatment measures can help relieve pain, swelling, and bruising and promote healing after a groin injury. These home treatment measures also may be helpful for noninjury problems. However, if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, use first aid measures while you arrange for an evaluation by your health professional.
- Rest. Rest and protect an injured or sore groin area for 1 to 2 weeks. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. Do not do intense activities while you still have pain. A pulled muscle (strain) in the groin can take several weeks to heal.
- Ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply a ice or cold pack immediately to reduce swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, three or more times a day. A bag of frozen peas or corn may work as a cold pack. Protect your skin from frostbite by placing a cloth between the ice and your skin. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply warmth to the area that hurts.
- Support. While recovering from a groin injury, wear jockey shorts, not boxers, to help support the injured area.
| Try an over-the-counter medicine to help treat your pain: |
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| Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use an over-the-counter medicine: |
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It may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer for a minor groin injury to heal. Stretching and strengthening exercises will help you gradually return to your normal activities.
Home treatment measures may also be helpful for:
- Yeast infections that cause a fiery red rash with a scalloped border and sharply outlined edges in skin folds.
- Jock itch, which is a fungus (ringworm) infection of the skin that may cause a rash and blisters.
- Minor cuts or skin wounds with mild bleeding.
- Minor rashes that are red and itchy. These may be caused by contact with a substance (contact dermatitis) such as poison ivy that causes an allergic reaction.
Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:
- Signs of infection develop, such as fever, swelling, redness, or pus.
- Swelling develops in the scrotum or lymph nodes in the groin.
- A rash gets worse or has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment.
- Groin pain has not improved after 1 week of home treatment.
- A limp or difficulty walking develops or becomes worse.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
Prevention
The following tips may help you prevent a groin injury or other problems in the groin area.
Prevent groin injury and strain
Steps to prevent a groin injury or strain may include the following:
- Warm up by stretching the groin muscles before exercising. Stretching can increase your range of motion and reduce stiffness and pain. Stretching is also important during the cool-down phase of exercise when your muscles are warm.
- Increase the intensity and length of exercise gradually. As your fitness level improves, you will be able to do more intense exercise without injury.
- Try to exercise regularly; don't just go all out on weekends.
- Use proper sports techniques and equipment. For example:
- Wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes for running, aerobics, and walking.
- Properly adjust your bicycle seat and handle bars for your height.
- Drink extra water before and during exercise, especially in hot or humid weather. This can help prevent muscle cramps and stiffness.
- Make sure you can always see where you are walking. To avoid falls:
- Use a step stool when reaching for high objects. Do not stand on chairs or other objects.
- Don't climb stairs with both hands full.
- Get help carrying heavy or awkward objects. Do not strain to lift or carry objects.
Prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
You can take measures to reduce your risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can also reduce the risk of transmitting an STD to your sex partner. Know high-risk behaviors and the symptoms of STDs and do not have sex with anyone who has these symptoms.
Condom use may reduce the risk of becoming infected with an STD. Condoms must be put on before beginning any sexual contact. Use condoms with a new partner until you are certain he or she does not have an STD.
Prevent jock itch or yeast infection
Steps to prevent jock itch (fungal infection of the skin in the groin) or yeast infection (cutaneous candidiasis) include the following:
- Dry yourself well after bathing. Use a hair dryer to dry your groin area.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. Avoid tight pants.
- Use a powder to absorb moisture.
- If you have athlete's foot, put your socks on before your underwear. This can prevent fungi from spreading from your feet to your groin when you put on your underwear.
- Change out of a wet bathing suit soon after swimming so that your skin can dry out.
Preparing For Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions.
Before your appointment
If you have a rash, do not have sexual contact or activity while waiting for your appointment. This will reduce the risk of transmitting a possible infection to your sex partner. If you do have an STD, your sex partner or partners may need to be evaluated and treated also.
Questions to prepare for your health professional
- What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms?
- Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
- What activities make your symptoms better or worse? What sports do you participate in?
- How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
- Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
- Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
- Have you had infections or rashes in the groin area in the past?
- Do you or your sex partner engage in high-risk sexual behaviors? Do you suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
- Does your sex partner have any genital symptoms or problems?
- Have you had any surgeries or procedures in the groin area?
- Have you been told that you have a hernia?
- What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
- What prescription and nonprescription medicines have you taken? Did they help?
- Do you have any health risks?
Related Information
- Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
- Cuts
- Diaper Rash
- Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Hip Problems, Age 11 and Younger
- Hip Problems, Age 12 and Older
- Inguinal Hernia
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Kidney Stones
- Male Genital Problems and Injuries
- Rash, Age 12 and Older
- Ringworm of the Skin
- Scabies
- Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
- Urinary Tract Infections in Teens and Adults
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
| Last Updated | March 29, 2007 |
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