Groin Problems and Injuries

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. But if you think you may have a more severe injury, use first aid measures while you arrange to be checked by your doctor.

• Rest. Rest and protect an injured or sore Reference groin area Opens New Window 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 (Reference strain Opens New Window) in the groin can take several weeks to heal.
• Ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply a Reference ice or cold pack immediately to reduce swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 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 Reference warmth to the area that hurts.
• Support. While recovering from a groin injury, wear jockey shorts, not boxers, to help support the injured area.

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

Home treatment measures may also be helpful for:

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

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Reference Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Reference Signs of infection Opens New Window develop, such as fever, swelling, redness, or pus.
• Swelling develops in the scrotum or the lymph nodes in the groin.
• Swelling that is known to be a hernia suddenly becomes very painful.
• A rash gets worse or has not improved.
• Groin pain has not improved.
• A limp or trouble walking develops or becomes worse.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.