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What Can Cause a Sore Groin?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

A sore groin can have a variety of causes, ranging from mild to severe in nature. Some of the most common reasons for this type of pain include arthritis, infection, or physical injury. Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and recent surgery are possible causes of discomfort in the groin region of the body. Groin pain in men may be due to swelling of the scrotum or a condition known as testicular torsion, while women may experience a sore groin as a result of pregnancy or ovarian cysts. A doctor should be consulted in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis concerning the reason for the development of groin soreness.

Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or bursitis may case a sore groin, especially when the hip joints are affected. Lower back injuries and pinched or compressed nerves frequently cause intermittent pain in the groin area. Infections that spread into the lymph nodes sometimes cause this area of the body to become sore or sensitive to touch. Several forms of cancer can lead to groin discomfort, so it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional any time that unexplained pain occurs in this region.

A healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can cause a sore groin.
A healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can cause a sore groin.

Urinary tract infections and kidney stones are known to lead to a sore groin. The bladder, kidneys, and tubes designed to transport urine to the outside of the body are located near this area, and inflammation can cause compression of surrounding nerves, adding to the discomfort. Recent surgical procedures affecting the lower back or abdomen may cause temporary groin discomfort.

Bursitis in the hip joint may cause a sore groin.
Bursitis in the hip joint may cause a sore groin.

Potential reasons for a sore groin in men include swelling of the scrotum or testicles, physical trauma to the genital area, and some sexually transmitted diseases. A severe complication known as testicular torsion is characterized by extreme pain and occurs when the cord responsible for blood flow to the testicles becomes twisted. This is considered to be a medical emergency and almost always requires surgical intervention.

Kidney stones can cause groin pain.
Kidney stones can cause groin pain.

Sore groin issues peculiar to women may include pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. The round ligaments supporting the uterus stretch as the developing fetus grows and can cause pain in the lower abdomen. Ovarian cysts are abnormal masses that may develop in one or both ovaries, while uterine fibroids are tumor-like growths in the uterus. Hormonal inconsistencies are thought to be largely responsible for the presence of these masses, and treatment may include surgical intervention, sometimes prolonging groin pain.

Discussion Comments

summing
@backdraft - My New years resolution was to start exercising again and I have been at it now for three days. My groin is killing me. Honestly, it is making it hard to get motivated to keep going back to the gym.

Is there any way that I can relieve the soreness? Is there a cream or a soak I can use? I remember that when I was a kid my mom would have us bathe in Epsom salts when we had sore muscles but it didn't seem to work very well. I need some relief though if I am going to stick with my resolution.

backdraft

If you begin exercising again after taking a long time off you will often get a sore groin. The muscles you use when you are lifting weights with your legs or running are not muscles that often get used in day to day life. They grow weak, and when you start to work them again they automatically get sore.

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    • A healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can cause a sore groin.
      By: Alila
      A healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can cause a sore groin.
    • Bursitis in the hip joint may cause a sore groin.
      By: videodoctor
      Bursitis in the hip joint may cause a sore groin.
    • Kidney stones can cause groin pain.
      By: airborne77
      Kidney stones can cause groin pain.
    • Potential reasons for a sore groin in men include swelling of the scrotum or testicles.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Potential reasons for a sore groin in men include swelling of the scrotum or testicles.
    • Men may experieince a sore groin as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
      By: zagorodnaya
      Men may experieince a sore groin as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
    • A sore groin may be caused by a urinary tract infection.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      A sore groin may be caused by a urinary tract infection.
    • Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.
      By: jinga80
      Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.