Is sudden groin pain when coughing or walking normal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had pain in my lower stomach just above my crotch area for about seven weeks now. When I first went to my doctor with the complaint, he said I could have pulled a muscle. I have made an appointment to go back again, which he told me to do and he advised me to bring a urine sample. It does not hurt all the time. It does not hurt when I go to the toilet for passing urine and stools.

Sometimes, when I am walking along, I do get a twinge in my groin area. If I sit down in a chair and move my legs towards me, then it does not hurt. But, I am getting pain when I lean up from a position such as from a bed or sofa. Sometimes, when I cough or sneeze it twinges. I do a lot of bending and lifting at work. It has not got any worse but does not seem to have gone either.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I feel really sorry for the pain and twinges you feel in certain positions and movements. It really is bothersome and needs attention and care. Your symptoms typically seem to be due to osteoarthritis of the hip joint and which is a medical condition of the hip joint due to age-related wear and tear.

The hip is the main joint transmitting the weight of our body to the ground. But it pays a huge price for this service to the body. Continuous stretching and grinding movements cause wear and tear of the bones and cartilage. So, when the bony processes or surfaces rub together (with no cushion in between), it causes gnawing pain in the hip.

Thanks for giving a detailed history that makes it easy to rule out some causes. Your pain typically falls in this category. But there is still an obvious need for a visit and consultation from an orthopedist. He will have the advantage of examining you physically and will go for thorough diagnostic testing.

Once a diagnosis is made, this age-related disease can be dealt with accordingly. Your occupation of lifting heavy weights, standing for long periods in a single place, and incorrect postures in daily life may also have contributed to the issues. But let me add that this is a very common illness in this age group.

Here are my suggestions:

You need to take Ibuprofen for pain and to reduce inflammation of the joint. Take 400 mg twice daily for seven days (after meals only). Apply pain-relieving ointment on the affected area, massage it gently, and apply heat to the area with a heat pad.
When at work, apply heat wraps around the hip joint. It provides heat to the deep tissues while on the go and helps relieve the symptoms quickly.
Avoid lifting heavy weights, standing for long in a single posture, and in the same place. Keep moving a bit and remain light on daily activities in order to reduce stress on the hip joints.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I feel happy to assist you and answer your follow-up query.

Yes, it is possible to get such pain at this age, and as age advances; the chances of starting this pain are more.
Yes, with treatment and care you can get a considerable reduction in pain or even complete resolution.
If there are no bony spurs (pathologic bony growths) on the hip joint bones, then there are more chances of getting the issue resolved soon.
You need to follow the instructions of your orthopedist in this regard, once he constitutes a diagnosis and suggests a management plan.

As far as hernia is concerned, it does not seem to be the pain of hernia. On the physical examination, your physician will feel that it may be a cause, then he may definitely refer you for an ultrasound and consultation with a surgeon. The surgeon will rule out and clear the doubts you have regarding the hernia.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.