Hip and groin pain can be a troublesome issue, and diagnosis can sometimes be difficult, as there are a variety of potential causes. Some medical issues with the potential of causing hip and groin pain include arthritis, hip fracture, and certain forms of cancer. Due to the wide variety of potential causes, there is no particularly ideal treatment for hip and groin pain. It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis so that treatment options pertaining to the precise cause of the pain can be explored.
Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints become inflamed or swollen. This can lead to pain and stiffness, and in some cases even impair a person's ability to move. When the joints in the pelvic and hip areas are affected by arthritis, the pain often radiates to surrounding tissues, causing hip and groin pain. Depending on the severity of this condition, the pain may be alleviated by physical therapy and pain medications. However, in cases of extreme joint damage, surgery is often needed to either repair the damaged joint or to perform hip replacement surgery.
Hip fracture is particularly common among elderly persons and frequently leads to hip and groin pain. A bone disease known as osteoporosis is often the culprit concerning this type of injury. The best treatment for a hip fracture is often surgery. While hip replacement surgery is often necessary, it is sometimes possible to stabilize the broken bones with metal pins, screws, or plates.
Cancer that affects the bones or lower abdominal area of the body may lead to hip and groin pain. If other causes have been medically eliminated, the doctor will often run tests to determine the presence of cancer. Once diagnosed, treatment may consist of removing any tumors or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
There are a variety of other illnesses, such as appendicitis or the presence of a hernia, that may lead to hip and groin pain. Kidney stones or even a ruptured blood vessel, known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, can also cause this type of pain. Conditions such as appendicitis, a swelling of the appendix that often causes the appendix to rupture, or a ruptured aneurysm are considered medical emergencies, as death may occur if not diagnosed and treated right away. Therefore it is important to seek medical care any time these symptoms are present. Prompt medical attention could prevent a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
