Pelvic, Groin & Buttock Pain

Hip pain is a complicated problem which is linked to the lower back and buttocks. The pain radiates into other regions of the body, such as the groin. We have briefly outlined some injuries which cause pelvic, groin and buttock pain, such as femoral hernia, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ischiogluteal bursitis, pulled groin muscles or groin strain and pelvic avulsion fracture. To know more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of these conditions, please visit the complete PELVIC, GROIN and BUTTOCK PAIN topics listed on the left side menu. We have also covered rehab exercises, which should be done in the recovery period.

Femoral Hernia:

Femoral Hernia

This condition (also known as enteromerocele, crural hernia, femorocele) occurs when the tissue bulges from the lower abdomen into the upper thigh. This results in formation of a bulge in the upper thigh, near the groin. This occurs more commonly in females than males. Causes include: Lifting heavy weights, straining, obesity and chronic cough. Femoral hernia is classified into 4 types:

  1. Reducible femoral hernia.
  2. Irreducible femoral hernia.
  3. Strangulated irreducible femoral hernia.
  4. Incarcerated femoral hernia.

To know more in detail, refer to "Femoral Hernia" under PELVIC, GROIN and BUTTOCK PAIN on the left side of the menu. Common symptoms are, bulge in the upper thigh, pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting etc. Treatment depends on the type of hernia.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

This is a condition where there is infection of the female reproductive organs. Most of the times, patients don't experience any symptoms and thus don't seek any treatment. The first symptom to appear is chronic pelvic pain or difficulty in conceiving. Causes include: Unprotected sex with multiple partners, use of certain contraceptive devices, e.g. intrauterine device (IUD), and conditions where bacteria can enter the reproductive tracts e.g. endometrial biopsy. Symptoms include, pain in lower abdomen and pelvis, copious vaginal discharge with foul odor, pain during intercourse, fever, painful urination etc. Complications of pelvic inflammatory disease include: Infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Oral and I.V. antibiotics are the common line of treatment and rarely, surgery is needed.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis:

Ischiogluteal Bursitis

Also known as ischial bursitis is a condition where there is inflammation and damage to the tissue to the ischiogluteal bursa resulting in pain in the buttocks. This is commonly caused by repetitive and prolonged activities such as jumping, kicking and running, which puts a lot of stress and force on the ischiogluteal bursa via the hamstring tendon. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, worsening pain with activities, and sometimes weakness in the lower limb. Treatment includes rest, cold therapy, massage and corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy is very important, as it boosts the healing process and reduces the chances of recurrences in the future. During the recovery period, exercises such as Hamstring Stretch and Gluteal Stretch should be done to enhance flexibility, strength and core stability. For more information, refer to "Ischiogluteal Bursitis" under the PELVIC, GROIN and BUTTOCK PAIN section on the left side menu.

Pulled Groin Muscles or Groin Strain:

Pulled Groin Muscles or Groin Strain

This is a condition where if excessive stress is placed on the groin and thigh muscles, it results in strained or pulled groin muscles. It is caused by forceful and sudden contraction of the groin muscles resulting in them getting over-stretched or torn. Athletes who do a lot of running and jumping are more prone to this injury. Depending on the severity, this injury is classified into 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree strain. Patient experiences pain, tenderness, swelling and a popping is felt at the time of injury. Treatment includes, ice therapy, compression, NSAIDs and stretching and strengthening exercises after recovery. Surgery is required if the condition persists even after conservative treatment.

Pelvic Avulsion Fracture:

Pelvic Avulsion Fracture

This is a condition which occurs when there is a break or tearing away of a part of a bone in the pelvis. Pelvic avulsion fracture commonly occurs in those individuals who are involved in activities with high speed and sudden stops e.g. soccer players, long-jumpers, sprinters etc. Causes include: Tight or tense muscles, not warming up or stretching properly before exercising, high speed activities, car accidents, muscle overuse and cancer or infection of the bone. Symptoms experienced are pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising etc. Treatment comprises of rest, ice therapy, rehab program. Surgery is rarely needed.

Other Pelvic, Groin and Buttock Pain Topics Which are Covered in This Section:

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