Groin Pain and Groin Strain

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Any pain in the groin should be thoroughly checked by a doctor, as there are several possible causes. A possibility for the cause of pain in the groin is excessive running on hard surfaces with poorly cushioned shoes - a likely cause of stress fracture in one of the pubic bones. Repetitive stress in running or cycling can also cause inflammation of the front of the pubis (osteitis pubis), which occurs more commonly in male athletes aged thirty to forty. (click here to rest of article) Unless you have very weak bones from osteoporosis, however, it is unlikely that you would get a groin strain from exercise walking. An inguinal hernia is one other possibility with groin pain, but this would also be accompanied by a bulge in the lower abdomen.

Inflammation of the Pubic Bone (Osteitis Pubis)

Repetitive stress from running and cycling can cause pain at the junction of the two pubic bones in your groin. When the pelvis rotates and shifts in a seesaw motion from running or pedalling, the joint is slightly separated and the cartilage can become inflamed and roughened. Football players are at risk for osteitis pubis because of the accumulated stresses of kicking the football. Sometimes the joint is damaged in a sudden fall with the legs stretched wide apart at the same time pressure is applied - as in a tackle.

Pain from osteitis pubis may come on gradually, starting as an ache. Race walkers are particularly prone to this injury because of the repetitive leg movements. Runners who over stride may also pull this joint. A severe case of over-training usually happens only with high-calibre athletes with a long history of running and racing. Osteitis pubis may sideline them from competition from one to two years. With a severe trauma, such as falling off a motorcycle, the pain can be quite severe. Sit-ups would aggravate this condition, as would any abdominal strain or violent hip movement. The pain tends to radiate out into the hip, and there may be some swelling. To treat osteitis pubis, begin with ice or heat to relieve pain, whatever feels better. See your doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment. Have x-rays to rule out arthritis, rheumatism or gout. Don't take part in activities if they cause you pain. For pain, bruising and swelling, take one of the homeopathic remedies below in doses of two to four pills (6x - 30c) every four hours for twenty-four hours.

Arnica if there is a sore, bruised achy feeling; a cold pack may help numb the pain; Bellis if a heating pad feels better than a cold pack; Sulphuric acid if Arnica doesn't work within six hours; Bryonia if you cannot bear to have the pubis touched, but pressure makes it feel better; Ledum if pubic area feels cool at he touch and feels better with a cold pack; injured area may also feel warm; Lymphomyosot if very swollen. Take ten drops twice a day.

During recovery take one of the following remedies in potencies of 6,12, 30 or 200c once a day for three to four days: Rhus Tox - if you are very stiff and sore first thing in the morning or after sitting or lying down; if you feel better with continued movement or better with light massage; if your pain is worse with a cold pack, and better with warmth; if you feel restless, continually moving around to get comfortable. Take Ruta Grav - if you feel better with rest; if you feel stiff, sore, bruised and achy; if your groin feels better with heat; if you feel moody and fretful about the injury; if you are weak, tired and cranky after lots of activity or movement; if there are torn ligaments. You may also benefit from hydrotherapy and contrast baths. Mild yoga stretching exercises will be very helpful after healing has been established for a couple of weeks. Swimming and stationary cycling may be all right to help maintain aerobic fitness. Avoid running or walking fast.

Groin Strain

A groin strain is different than osteitis pubis because the damage involves muscles, ligaments and tendons, instead of cartilage. The gro0in can be strained from a severe over-stretching in a single sudden injury, or from an accumulation of stress. You may have been running on wet and slippery ground or slipped on a patch of ice and forcibly contracted you groin muscles to stop yourself from falling. Athletes who play football or who compete in track and field events can pull a groin muscle. Sprinters, as well as marathon runners are also at risk from groin strain.

A groin strain injury causes large or small tears to the fibres of the muscles or tendons, as well as stress to the bony tissue of the pelvic ring and pubis. The pain may be sharp or dull, localized or diffuse. It may radiate into the hip and back.

For immediate relief of the pain of groin strain, apply ice packs or heating pads, whichever feels better. Stop activities, which cause pain and see your doctor to rule out stress fracture or arthritis. For the shock of injury take Arnica - two to four pills for up to six hours. For pain, bruising and swelling, take the same homeopathic remedies listed above for osteitis pubis. For stiffness, take Rhus Tox or Ruta Grav; refer to osteitis pubis for details on these remedies.

Use ice whirlpool together with electro-galvanic stimulation or Ultrasound therapy for physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medicines should be used sparingly, and should not be used to mask pain in order to continue painful activities. Start exercising only on the advise of your doctor.