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Suggest Treatment For Burning Pain In The Left Groin Area

Posted on Tue, 25 Apr 2017

Question: I am a 64 year old male. I am suffering from a chronic "tearing / burning" pain from a previous sports hernia on my left groin. It was surgically repaired by a competent sports hernia specialist about 5 years ago. One nerve was intentionally cut during the surgery to help resolve the pain issue. I was never able to resume previous activities like walking fast, running, lifting heavy weights, have sex without pain, etc., after the surgery. My original symptoms have now resumed. I can't walk fast, bend over, lift heavy objects, or have sex without the tearing/burning pain. Activity that involves impact force (using a sledge hammer, wood splitting by hand, using a hammer, jumping up & down, etc.) bring on the worse pain. I have no large bulges suggesting an inguinal hernia. There is some swelling. None in the testicles. It takes 2 weeks plus after a flare-up (sometimes lying in bed for a week) for the intense symptoms to get better, but my activities are still limited to avoid pain. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Recurrence of sports hernia

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.

To recapitulate: Male/64 - sports hernia repaired 5 years ago - neurectomy - now chronic tearing/burning pain - unable to resume previous activities - sex with pain - impact force brings on worse pain - some swelling - no large bulge - takes 2 weeks - one week in bed - Ibuprofen, Clonazepam to prevent cramps during cold damp weather - activities limited to avoid pain - wants suggestions...

My thought after reading the history:

There looks to be a recurrence of sports hernia as suggested by symptoms and a bulge. Since there was repair there must be a scar adding to the problems. The nerve that remained and trapped into scar tissue might have been the cause of pain.

I would advise you the following in such a situation:

Clinical examination by the Sports Hernia Specialist.
MRI of the area to know the exact cause, extent which also gives your Surgeon a proper plan for further management.

I would think of another review surgery, repair, neurectomy if the previous was partial. Continue with Ibuprofen.

You may please discuss regarding Pregabalin or Gabapentin for controlling neurological pain with your Doctor and get a prescription if s/he agrees.
Clonazepam is good for muscle relaxation.

Take full rest till the pain subsides and avoid any activity that instigates or enhance your problems.
You may need another surgery.

I hope this answer helps you in getting the correct cause and to get a proper management.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (31 minutes later)

Are there any nutritional recommendations such as collagen supplements which would promote healing of the connective tissue of the compromised area? Would physical therapy be of any help? Would this condition be past the healing stage?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As advised

Detailed Answer:
There are no proved supplements that promote healing. Antioxidants in the form of multivitamins and Lycopene does help.
Proper clinical evaluation and MRI of the affected area alone can tell the stage the disease is in and the best possible management.
Hence please get these done.
Continue bed rest and medicine.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana