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When to See a Doctor for Groin Pain


Man experiencing groin pain

Groin pain, a groin injury, and a groin sports hernia are common complaints of athletes and the active population. Studies report that 6% of all sport injuries involve groin pain. Patients are concerned about when to see a doctor for groin pain.


Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurology team of orthopaedic sports medicine hip specialists provide expert care for patients with groin pain, a groin injury, and sports hernia. Our team of specialists include:

Groin Pain Symptoms


Symptoms often include:

  • Localized pain – where the thigh and abdomen meet

  • Radiating pain – at the hip, inner thigh, and lower abdomen

  • Pain – sharp, dull, achy, aggravated by coughing, sneezing, and lifting

  • Swelling – bruising and tenderness

  • Loss – range of motion, flexibility

Conservative treatment of groin pain symptoms can promote healing. This often includes RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), anti-inflammatory and pain medications, devices for stability, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Seeing the doctor for groin pain ensures patient access to all the available treatment options.


When symptoms are severe or unresponsive to conservative treatment, our team recommends a comprehensive evaluation involving a complete medical history, physical examination assessing tenderness, swelling and range of motion, X-ray, MRI and ultrasound imaging studies, and blood tests.


Groin Injury / Sports Hernia


Groin pain may be from a sports hernia, hip labral tear, or other groin injury. A sports hernia does not involve a visible protrusion, but rather is characterized by chronic groin pain triggered by activity like twisting, turning, and kicking. Micro-tears and inflammation of the muscles, tendons and ligaments are present. Athletes and patients with poor core stability, muscle imbalance or history of groin injury are susceptible. Additional symptoms of groin injury and sports hernia include:

  • Worsens symptoms with activity – improves with rest

  • Pain on one side of the body

  • Symptoms aggravated by specific movements

  • Decreased range of motion in the hip joint

Diagnosis can be challenging. Our hip specialists have the expertise for an accurate diagnosis based on patient symptoms and examination findings. Imaging is used to rule out other causes.


Conservative treatment for groin pain is the same for a groin injury and sports hernia. However, for severe cases and when conservative treatments provide little improvement, surgical intervention is indicated. The type of surgery will depend on the underlying cause. Minimally invasive arthroscopy, endoscopy, or laparoscopy are procedures available to make the required repairs.


Groin Pain Treatment Near Me


Take the guesswork out of when to see a doctor for groin pain. Our VSON team of hip specialists provide advanced diagnostics and treatment for patients with groin pain, groin injury and sports hernia. Request a consultation with our team today!

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