Groin is that portion of the body that ends the abdomen and beginning of the legs. This explains why most of the time, a groin pain can also present with combination of hip pain.

Misdiagnosis of groin pain is not uncommon. This is because different kinds of problems initially appear with groin pain. The truth is misdiagnosis is classified as one of the common types of medical mistakes.

Common Misdiagnosis of Groin Pain

• Sports Hernia might be misdiagnosed as pulled groin or groin strain. When in doubt, you should always seek a second medical opinion. It is advisable that you seek more advice from a doctor who is more experienced in sports medicine.
• Chronic groin pain might be misdiagnosed as non-bacterial prostatitis; when in fact it is actually sports hernia. This is because the pain is concentrated in the groin. Continuous irritation of the nerves in the groin might cause swelling due to tightened tissues in the area. Misdiagnosis of the condition might lead to mysterious prostate swelling without the presence of bacteria.
• Another misdiagnosis of groin pain caused by sports hernia is another type of hernia called inguinal hernia. Worse thing that might happen for this misdiagnosis of groin pain is the order for surgery when in fact; there is no inguinal hernia to perform operation with.

Most of the time, sports hernia can be misdiagnosed for another cause of groin pain. The medical practitioner might initially suggest application of the very popular RICE application (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). The condition will not be treated and the doctor might order administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and even steroids in the hope to relieve symptoms of groin pain. Recommendation to see another health professional might be the last option if the chronic groin pain would still persist.

To prevent misdiagnosis of groin pain, some medical experts would suggest the patient to undertake an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. This diagnostic procedure can reveal a tear in the tissue or tendon. This will assist in coming up with the proper diagnosis of the condition.

Of the essence, misdiagnosis of groin pain just like with any other condition results to the delay of treatment offered to a suffering patient. In order to prevent this, the person experiencing chronic groin pain should be observant. He should be responsible enough to weigh if proper diagnosis was concluded. It would not harm anyone if you coordinate with your physician. Sharing views with your physician regarding your body’s reaction to the treatment recommended can do this. In doing so, not only will you help in the treatment process but also minimize a lot of time wasted curing a misdiagnosis of groin pain.

Most of the time, pain felt in the groin is an indication of problems actually involving the hip joint, although there are also cases wherein they are not associated at all. Most probably, hip joint problems that cause symptoms of groin pain to be felt in that area is due to nerve organization of the body, this is clinically termed as “referred pain.” This makes diagnosis for groin pain challenging because symptoms might indicate a problem in another part of the body and not necessarily with the groin.

Symptoms of groin pain may also be brought about by the straining in the groin referred to as the rupture of the adductor muscles. Pain that radiates from the groin going to the leg portion of the body basically suggests a condition referred to as tendinitis. This is often represented by inflammation.

You might also encounter slight groin pain as you carry out various activities such as performing exercises. This occurs when the rectus femoris tendon becomes inflamed causing pain in the front portion of your hips. This is the reason why warm-up exercises are fundamentally necessary before moving on to more strenuous exercise techniques. Other activity that may induce symptoms of groin pain is known as “Glimore’s groin.” This condition is aggravated when running, twisting, turning, and sprinting; since muscles that are involved as you carry out these activities are those that are connected with the groin.

A condition referred to as Ostitis Pubis manifests symptoms of groin pain, which can radiate around the groin; however much intensity of pain will be felt in mid-frontal section of the groin. Walking in a waddling gait is one of the main traits of this condition.

Almost all symptoms of groin pain come as sharp and sudden followed by inflammation and bruising after a few days. This often falls true for groin pain caused by straining and other conditions affecting the overuse of muscles especially the adductor muscles.

However, there are also cases when groin pain suggests other types of disorder not connected with the muscles. Pain felt in the lower back radiating to the groin area may also indicate the development of kidney stones and other types of renal malfunction. Proper diagnosis is greatly recommended for cases like this so as to prevent the development of more serious complications that can be life threatening.

Symptoms of groin pain usually indicate a rupture or tear in a specific muscle close or attached to this portion. Most the time, it is caused by direct impact or extensive usage of the muscles in this part of the body. The best way to rule out more serious implications and prevent further damage to the muscle (if that is the case) is to consult a medical practitioner.