Groin Injuries

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

Your groin pain is persistent or worsens over time: If your groin pain is a constant dull ache or progressively intensifies, especially at night or with minimal activity, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The pain significantly impacts daily activities: Groin pain that hinders your ability to walk, climb stairs, or perform daily tasks like getting dressed warrants medical evaluation.
You have no recent injury but experience new groin pain: New groin pain without a clear cause requires investigation to rule out underlying conditions like muscle imbalances or sports hernias.
The pain is accompanied by other symptoms: If your groin pain is coupled with swelling, bruising, fever, or weakness in the leg, it could indicate a more serious issue like a testicular torsion or infection. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
You have limited range of motion in your hip: If your hip's mobility becomes restricted, making it difficult to move your leg comfortably, a doctor can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment for your groin injury.
You experience sudden and severe groin pain: A sudden onset of intense groin pain, especially after a fall, injury, or forceful movement, requires immediate medical attention. This could indicate a muscle tear, strain, or even a hip dislocation.
You experience pain along with a high fever or chills: These symptoms combined with groin pain can indicate a bone infection and necessitate prompt medical attention.
You notice a visible bulge or deformity in your groin area: If you observe a bulge or swelling in your groin that wasn't there before, especially after a sudden injury, see a doctor right away to rule out a potential hernia.
You are unable to bear weight on your affected leg: If the pain makes it impossible to put any weight on your injured leg, see a doctor right away to determine the cause and prevent further complications.
You experience numbness or tingling in your genitals or inner thigh: Numbness or tingling alongside groin pain can indicate nerve damage and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

Your groin pain is persistent or worsens over time: If your groin pain is a constant dull ache or progressively intensifies, especially at night or with minimal activity, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The pain significantly impacts daily activities: Groin pain that hinders your ability to walk, climb stairs, or perform daily tasks like getting dressed warrants medical evaluation.
You have no recent injury but experience new groin pain: New groin pain without a clear cause requires investigation to rule out underlying conditions like muscle imbalances or sports hernias.
The pain is accompanied by other symptoms: If your groin pain is coupled with swelling, bruising, fever, or weakness in the leg, it could indicate a more serious issue like a testicular torsion or infection. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
You have limited range of motion in your hip: If your hip's mobility becomes restricted, making it difficult to move your leg comfortably, a doctor can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment for your groin injury.
You experience sudden and severe groin pain: A sudden onset of intense groin pain, especially after a fall, injury, or forceful movement, requires immediate medical attention. This could indicate a muscle tear, strain, or even a hip dislocation.
You experience pain along with a high fever or chills: These symptoms combined with groin pain can indicate a bone infection and necessitate prompt medical attention.
You notice a visible bulge or deformity in your groin area: If you observe a bulge or swelling in your groin that wasn't there before, especially after a sudden injury, see a doctor right away to rule out a potential hernia.
You are unable to bear weight on your affected leg: If the pain makes it impossible to put any weight on your injured leg, see a doctor right away to determine the cause and prevent further complications.
You experience numbness or tingling in your genitals or inner thigh: Numbness or tingling alongside groin pain can indicate nerve damage and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Do:

Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your groin pain. Take breaks from strenuous exercise or work that puts strain on your groin muscles.
Apply ice: Use ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce inflammation and pain.
Consider compression: Wearing a compression garment or wrapping the groin area with elastic bandages can provide support and reduce swelling. (Consult a doctor before using compression)
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. (Consult your doctor before taking any medications)
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises: Once the pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can improve flexibility and stability in the groin muscles, aiding recovery.
Maintain good posture: Proper posture helps distribute weight evenly throughout your body and reduces stress on your groin muscles.
Explore alternative therapies: Some people find relief with acupuncture, massage therapy, or ultrasound therapy. Discuss these options with your doctor or physiotherapist.

Don't:

Ignore the pain: Persistent pain is a sign something's wrong. Don't push through the pain, as it can worsen the injury.
Apply heat to a new injury: Heat can increase inflammation in acute cases. Stick to ice for the first few days.
Stretch excessively or engage in strenuous activity: Avoid activities that strain your groin muscles until the pain improves.
Lift heavy objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects with improper technique, as it can further strain the groin muscles.
Neglect stretching and strengthening exercises: Once the initial pain subsides, prescribed exercises are crucial for long-term recovery and preventing future injury.
Ignore unusual symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or a dull ache in the groin or testicles can indicate a more serious issue like a nerve impingement or hernia. Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe your groin pain? (Location, intensity, duration)
When did the pain first start? (Acute vs. chronic)
Did you experience any recent injury or sudden movement that caused the pain? (Fall, sports activity)
What activities seem to aggravate the pain? (Walking, specific movements)
Does anything seem to improve the pain? (Rest, ice, medication)
Have you noticed any swelling, bruising, or redness in your groin area?
How has your groin pain affected your daily activities? (Walking, stairs, work)
Have you noticed any limitations in your range of motion? (Moving your leg comfortably)
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? (Arthritis, previous groin injuries)
Are you currently taking any medications?

1.Symptoms

What are some common symptoms of a groin injury?

Groin injuries can manifest in various ways, but some frequent signs include:

Pain in the inner thigh or groin area, especially when walking, running, or twisting
Difficulty with activities that require leg extension, like kicking a ball or climbing stairs
Groin stiffness or tightness
A burning or pulling sensation in the groin
Swelling or bruising in the affected area

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

When should I see a doctor for my groin pain?

If you experience persistent groin pain that worsens with activity, interferes with your daily life, or doesn't improve within a few days of home care, consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to faster recovery and prevent complications.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How do you diagnose groin injuries at LIPS?

Our specialists diagnose groin injuries through a comprehensive approach. This may involve:

Discussing your medical history, symptoms, and activities that aggravate the pain.
Performing a physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and tenderness in the groin area.
Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds in some cases to rule out other causes or assess the severity of the injury.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

What can I expect during a consultation for a groin injury?

During your initial consultation at LIPS, our team will listen to your concerns, perform a physical examination, and discuss potential causes of your groin pain. They may also explain the benefits of any imaging tests deemed necessary.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What treatment options are available for groin injuries at LIPS?

LIPS offers personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific cause and severity of your groin injury. Treatment may include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected area and gradually returning to activities with proper form are crucial for healing.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and stability in the groin muscles can promote healing and prevent future injuries.
Pain Management: Medication, ice therapy, and other techniques can help manage pain and inflammation during the healing process.
Bracing or Taping: In some cases, wearing a supportive brace or using kinesio taping can provide additional support and promote healing.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

How long does it take to recover from a groin injury?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. Our team will provide a personalised timeline for recovery based on your specific condition.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers. Our dedicated team can assist you in verifying your coverage and understanding any associated costs for groin injury diagnosis and treatment.

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific insurance plan. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the best possible care to address your groin pain.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.