Mild Persistent Groin Pain

MD5HASH wrote:

My chiropractor says to continue my core workouts and to strengthen my hip muscles. I haven't discussed with my doctor yet because she has a history of recommending unnecessary and invasive procedures (it's a long story and, yes, I know that I need to find a new doctor).

Actually, I'd say drop the chiropractor. He really should have pointed out that it could be a very small hernia, which could get significantly worse without warning.

Yes, I understand that it could be a small hernia. Even though I'm not experiencing many of the classic symptoms of a hernia, and that some aspects of the pain are inconsistent with a hernia (improves with certain exerises, and evenly distributed between both inner-thighs), I understand that it COULD be a hernia that will require medical intervention.

What I'm asking is: what else could it be? Is there anything I could try before subjecting myself to medical exams and potential surgery, not to mention a $1500 insurance deductible?

Over the last couple years I've had several experiences where I discussed some mildly painful conditions with my medical doctor and underwent costly, stressful, and invasive procedures only to determine that nothing was wrong and that the conditions went away over time. I really think that I might be overly-conscious of my own physical discomfort.

If everyone here thinks that I'm insane for not immediately going to see a doctor, I will take that to heart. But I'd also really like to hear some alternative options.

Look into piriformis syndrome. If you massage your piriformis that can help your groin.

I would also suggest a program of hip and upper leg strengthening.

When is your marathon? I had a similar situation earlier this year when my groin really started to irritate me about three weeks before my first marathon.

Decided there wasn't too much to do except start my taper a little bit earlier and hope for the best. Ended up slowly getting better and my race was a complete success. I just made sure to monitor it every day and make sure it wasn't ever getting any worse. I made sure to be honest with myself here. Also, a runner/physical therapist friend of mine understood what I was going through and supported my decision, which was comforting.

On the opposite side of this, about a month and a half after the marathon, the opposite side of my groin, kind of the hip area, really started bother me too. I approached of the same way as before but still ran my workouts as planned, mostly backed off on the extra mileage. It did not get better and finally an MRI revealed a torn labrum. So now surgery is in my future.

Long story short, listen to your body. If the pain decreases with time, even if it's extremely gradual, you're likely in the clear. If it's not getting better, or potentially getting worse, you're playing a risky game.