Groin pain differential diagnosis

Clinicians first ask where the pain is, how it began, and which movements or loads reproduce it. Inner-thigh tenderness and pain with resisted leg movement can suggest an adductor or tendon problem. Deep groin pain with bending, turning, or restricted hip movement can point toward hip impingement. Clicking or catching may occur with a labral tear, while stiffness and reduced everyday movement may occur with hip osteoarthritis. Back-related nerve irritation can send symptoms toward the groin, and abdominal or groin-wall problems may be linked to coughing, straining, or a bulge.

These conditions can overlap, so a diagnosis is not made from one symptom. The examination may compare walking, hip range, strength, sensation, reflexes, the abdomen, and the groin. Further testing is considered when the findings do not explain the symptoms or recovery is not progressing.

Write down the onset, exact location, activity triggers, night symptoms, and any clicking, swelling, numbness, weakness, bowel or bladder change, or groin bulge. Until assessed, reduce movements that clearly worsen pain and keep only comfortable daily activity. Do not use a diagnosis from an online symptom list to guide demanding exercise. Rehabilitation is most useful when matched to the confirmed source and current function.

Arrange an assessment when groin pain persists, recurs, limits activity, or has no clear improvement after reducing the provoking load. Seek urgent care for severe sudden pain, inability to bear weight, fever, significant swelling, testicular pain, a painful non-reducible bulge, new weakness or numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Ask which diagnoses are being considered, what examination finding supports each one, whether imaging is needed, what symptoms require urgent review, and how activity should change while the cause is clarified.