Think It’s Just a Pulled Muscle? What Groin Pain Could Really Mean
Groin pain is easy to dismiss. Maybe it started after a workout, while lifting something heavy, or after spending the weekend working in the yard. Many people assume it is simply a pulled muscle that will get better with time.
While muscle strains are common, persistent or worsening groin pain can sometimes signal a more serious medical condition. Knowing when to seek medical attention can help prevent complications and get you back to your normal activities sooner.
According to Matthew J. Finnegan, MD, a robotic general and colorectal surgeon with Shore Physicians Group, one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring pain or a lump in the groin because it doesn’t seem serious.
“Hernias often don’t start with severe pain,” Dr. Finnegan said. “Many people notice a small lump or occasional discomfort and simply live with it. Then they become more active, start exercising, lose weight, or lift something heavy, and suddenly that area becomes painful.”
One of the most common causes of groin pain is an inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. You may notice a bulge near the crease where your abdomen meets your thigh that becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing, or lifting. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain, particularly during physical activity.
Dr. Finnegan says any new lump in the groin deserves attention. While he recommends prompt evaluation for lumps about the size of a golf ball, even smaller lumps that persist for several weeks, continue to grow, or are associated with pain should be examined. “If you’re concerned, get it checked,” he said. “It may not be a hernia, but it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.”
Not every case of groin pain is a hernia, however. Muscle strains are also common, especially among people who play sports or work out regularly. Dr. Finnegan says injuries involving the large adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh can cause pain that closely resembles a hernia. In some athletes, a tear of the muscle or tendon can result in what is commonly known as a sports hernia, which is actually a muscle injury rather than a true hernia.
“The treatments are very different,” Dr. Finnegan explained. “A sports hernia often responds well to physical therapy, while a true hernia usually requires surgery to repair the defect in the abdominal wall.”
Not every lump in the groin is a hernia, either. Enlarged lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas, which are benign fatty growths, and skin infections can all cause swelling in the area. Dr. Finnegan notes that fatty growths larger than about a Kennedy half dollar should also be evaluated, particularly if they begin to enlarge after remaining unchanged for years. Infections affecting the legs, feet, or groin can also cause nearby lymph nodes to swell as the body fights infection.
Dr. Finnegan recommends seeking medical attention if a lump persists beyond a few weeks, becomes larger, or is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, changes in bowel habits, fever, or increasing pain. Even small hernias can become trapped, cutting off blood supply to the intestine and creating a surgical emergency.
“We always prefer to repair a hernia before it becomes an emergency,” Dr. Finnegan said. “The earlier we diagnose it, the more options we have and the easier the operation typically is. I’ve operated on patients who waited years and ended up needing much more extensive surgery because the intestine became trapped. If you notice a lump or have groin pain that isn’t improving, don’t ignore it. It’s always better to have it evaluated early.”
Matthew J. Finnegan, MD, is a Robotic General & Colorectal Surgeon with Shore Physicians Group specializing in robotic general surgery, colorectal surgery, and advanced surgical wound healing. He treats patients age 18 and older at 649 Shore Road in Somers Point. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-6239.
