Groin pain can be a symptom of a musculoskeletal condition at the front of the hip such as arthritis or muscular injury. Internal conditions such as endometriosis, hernias, and cysts can also cause hip and groin pain. The groin is the area between the hips, the inner thighs, and the lower abdomen.
Tendonitis of the Hip
Tendonitis is when a tendon, which connects muscle to bones, becomes inflamed from overusing the muscle. Because tendons are attached to the bone in the hip and the muscle in the groin, the pain can also start in your hip and radiate to your groin. The pain has a gradual onset.
Seek immediate medical attention
Inability to move your leg or hip. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Intense pain. Sudden swelling.
If the hip joint is lubricated, it eases pain and makes it easier for the hip to move. Improve flexibility and range of motion. Walking can help reduce stiffness, as the hip flexors are loosened up, which improves hip flexibility and range of motion.
Other red flags of concern with respect to the patient presenting with hip and/or groin pain include a history of trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, burning with urination, night pain, and prolonged corticosteroid use.
Symptoms of bursitis of the hip
Symptoms include joint pain and tenderness. You may also see swelling and feel warmth around the affected area. The pain is often sharp in the first few days. It may be dull and achy later.
If you're enduring chronic pain in your hip and groin, you likely have a condition known as femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), which affects your hip joint. It limits movement and, in turn, prevents you from engaging in enjoyable activities.
Back pain can often times be mistaken for hip pain since the hip joint is so close to the spine. Generally, hip and back pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. This can affect your mobility and everyday activities.
The best solution? Sleep on your back. If changing your sleep position is hard, try putting a pillow between your knees or slightly behind your back to relieve pressure and keep your hips aligned. A mattress topper or more supportive mattress might also help.
The typical pain from hip arthritis is located in the groin thigh or buttock. The pain is generally worse with weight bearing activities (e.g., walking, standing, or twisting). Some patients report "start-up" pain – an especially bad discomfort upon standing after being seated for a prolonged period of time.
Any hip pain that does not improve in a short period of time should be checked out by a qualified medical professional. First of all, minor muscle strain or ligament sprain can resolve which rest, but they can also develop into more chronic, nagging, long-term strain and repeated hip injury.
Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint.
Schedule a doctor's visit if you have:
Severe groin pain. Groin pain that doesn't improve with home treatment within a few days. Mild testicle pain lasting longer than a few days. A lump or swelling in or around a testicle.
Diagnosing hip bursitis
Your doctor might also ask you to do simple tasks like standing on the affected leg to see how your legs are functioning. Sometimes, your doctor will order an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, too, to verify that the pain is due to bursitis and not a fracture or other problem.
Chronic pain: Untreated bursitis can lead to a permanent thickening or enlargement of the bursa, which can cause chronic inflammation and pain. Muscle atrophy: Long term reduced use of joint can lead to decreased physical activity and loss of surrounding muscle.
Transient synovitis (irritable hip) is the most common cause of limping in children. It is generally a mild condition that will get better on its own with rest, usually within two weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.
Urological and gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroenteritis and prostate cancer, could also cause pain that's easily mistaken for a hip injury.
Diagnosis of hip pain
Diagnosis may also be based on imaging scans such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, which provide an accurate picture of the bones and soft tissues such as ligaments and bursae surrounding your hip joint. Blood tests or joint aspiration may be needed for a correct diagnosis as well.
Symptoms of hip arthritis may include pain in or near the hip joint, stiffness, audible clicking sounds when moving the hip, and weakness. While hip arthritis is usually a chronic condition, there are treatments to help ease the symptoms and reduce further damage.
Arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip bones. The pain gradually gets worse.