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Is Pain In The Groin Area Indicative Of Hernia?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Question: I have a pain on the left side of my groin which I think may be a hernia. It hurts when I walk long distances at a moderately rapid pace. I can push in on the area to reduce or eliminate the pain. I had a hernia fixed about 35 years ago, but I don't remember if it was on the left side. I am in AZ now but live in Oregon most of the year so my regular doctor is not available here. My questions are - is it likely a hernia, is it reasonable to wait a couple of months until I get home to have it looked at and is there anything I should do to relieve the pain.
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
No panic, analgesics Ibuprofen, review, X ray, Ct if needed, review from Dr

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I do understanding this can be very worrisome. To properly address this however, there are a few things we shall have to get clear. The first is, do you experience any mass in the area, maybe that the groin changes in size from to time? When did this pain start all over again? Was it after an exercise, a walk, while running or walking, or it is of gradual onset. have you ever experienced it on the other side? Any history of any trauma on that side of the body, especially the bony pelvic area? Do you experience any associated muscle weakness of the limb on the affected side?


In case the answers to the above questions are generally negative, your hypothesis that it could related to the hernia repair you once had is a plausible idea. It is not rare to experience some pain after a hernia repair. However, in case you had never had it before, it is difficult for the pain to stay for this long before coming by. With hernia repair associated pains, the pain usually starts about 3 to 7 years after the repair or even earlier. It might be of interest to check for another possible cause of the pain before attributing this to the hernia however.

Simple spinal X rays, a compete clinical review and blood tests and a CT if necessary could be proper initial steps. Osteoarthritis or some rheumatoid condition can also cause pain in the groin area. It is important to know if you have any pain or swelling around the testes or not. Some testicular pain could be referred and felt as if it originates from the groin.

Simple analgesics like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen (if no history of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease) could do for the moment.

Booking an appointment with your family doctor could be useful. I really do not think you need to panic any way.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Should you have any special questions, I should be most grateful making my modest contribution to your health.

DR Bain
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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Is Pain In The Groin Area Indicative Of Hernia?

Brief Answer: No panic, analgesics Ibuprofen, review, X ray, Ct if needed, review from Dr Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I do understanding this can be very worrisome. To properly address this however, there are a few things we shall have to get clear. The first is, do you experience any mass in the area, maybe that the groin changes in size from to time? When did this pain start all over again? Was it after an exercise, a walk, while running or walking, or it is of gradual onset. have you ever experienced it on the other side? Any history of any trauma on that side of the body, especially the bony pelvic area? Do you experience any associated muscle weakness of the limb on the affected side? In case the answers to the above questions are generally negative, your hypothesis that it could related to the hernia repair you once had is a plausible idea. It is not rare to experience some pain after a hernia repair. However, in case you had never had it before, it is difficult for the pain to stay for this long before coming by. With hernia repair associated pains, the pain usually starts about 3 to 7 years after the repair or even earlier. It might be of interest to check for another possible cause of the pain before attributing this to the hernia however. Simple spinal X rays, a compete clinical review and blood tests and a CT if necessary could be proper initial steps. Osteoarthritis or some rheumatoid condition can also cause pain in the groin area. It is important to know if you have any pain or swelling around the testes or not. Some testicular pain could be referred and felt as if it originates from the groin. Simple analgesics like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen (if no history of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease) could do for the moment. Booking an appointment with your family doctor could be useful. I really do not think you need to panic any way. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Should you have any special questions, I should be most grateful making my modest contribution to your health. DR Bain