Groin Problems and Injuries

Home Treatment

Home treatment measures can help relieve pain, swelling, and bruising and promote healing after a groin injury. These home treatment measures also may be helpful for noninjury problems. However, if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, use first aid measures while you arrange for an evaluation by your health professional.

• Rest. Rest and protect an injured or sore groin area for 1 to 2 weeks. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. Do not do intense activities while you still have pain. A pulled muscle (strain) in the groin can take several weeks to heal.
• Ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply a ice or cold pack immediately to reduce swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, three or more times a day. A bag of frozen peas or corn may work as a cold pack. Protect your skin from frostbite by placing a cloth between the ice and your skin. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply warmth to the area that hurts.
• Support. While recovering from a groin injury, wear jockey shorts, not boxers, to help support the injured area.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try an over-the-counter medicine to help treat your pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn Aspirin, such as Bayer or Ecotrin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use an over-the-counter medicine:

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it. If you are or could be pregnant, call your doctor before you take any medicine. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.

It may take 4 to 6 weeks or longer for a minor groin injury to heal. Stretching and strengthening exercises will help you gradually return to your normal activities.

Home treatment measures may also be helpful for:

• Yeast infections that cause a fiery red rash with a scalloped border and sharply outlined edges in skin folds.
• Jock itch, which is a fungus (ringworm) infection of the skin that may cause a rash and blisters.
• Minor cuts or skin wounds with mild bleeding.
• Minor rashes that are red and itchy. These may be caused by contact with a substance (contact dermatitis) such as poison ivy that causes an allergic reaction.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Signs of infection develop, such as fever, swelling, redness, or pus.
• Swelling develops in the scrotum or lymph nodes in the groin.
• A rash gets worse or has not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Groin pain has not improved after 1 week of home treatment.
• A limp or difficulty walking develops or becomes worse.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: March 29, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.