About Groin & Knee Pain
Nearly one out of every three Americans over the age of 45 complains of knee pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Knee pain is also a symptom of many sports-related injuries. Groin pain, also referred to as testicular pain in men, is also a common symptom of sports-related injuries. Treatment for both knee and groin pain is usually rest, pain medication and, in some instances, surgery and/or physical therapy.
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Knee Pain
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Knee pain is typically the result of a strain, overuse or physical injury. Knee pain can also be a sign or symptom of a medical condition. For example, patients with arthritis and gout experience knee pain as a symptom. Common knee injuries that result in knee pain are ligament injuries such as a torn ACL, tendinitis (inflammation or irritation of the tendons), meniscus injuries, dislocation of the kneecap and Iliotibial band syndrome, also called "IT band" syndrome, a common injury among runners.
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Causes
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Physical injuries such as falls, repeated stresses, overuse, awkward landings from jumping and general degeneration from aging are the common causes of knee pain and injury. Individuals who are overweight, regularly active or have had a previous knee injury are at risk for a second injury or knee pain.
Groin Pain
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Groin pain describes discomfort where the legs and abdomen meet. In males, the term "groin pain" can also refer to testicular pain. Men are more likely to have groin pain than women, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, men who play sports such as soccer or football are likely to experience groin pain at some time or another.
Causes
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In addition to muscle strain and physical injury, there are a number of other causes for groin pain. For example, kidney stones, hernias, tumors, inflammation or pinched nerves are common causes of groin pain. Treatment for groin pain includes rest, pain medication and, in some cases, physical therapy.
Expert Insight
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Most knee pain does not warrant medical attention and can be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain medication. However, knee pain that is the result of a medical condition and not an injury needs to be discussed with a professional to prevent increased pain, joint damage and eventual disability.
References
- Photo Credit "Cornelisse schopte Schwalbuarez, Luinge bekeurt" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Vincent Teeuwen (Vincent Teeuwen) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.