Groin pain in athletes

A 33 year old man who plays sport regularly complains of pain in the right groin over two months. It is worse on the day after exercise, especially on turning to get out of bed.

Groin pain accounts for one in 10 patient visits to a sports injury clinic.12 Inguinal or groin disruption (Gilmore’s groin) is a common cause in athletes. It is caused by tears in the conjoint tendon, the oblique muscles, and the inguinal ligament, which result from overuse. Inguinal disruption is also incorrectly referred to as a “sportsman’s hernia,” a misleading term as there is no hernia. Young men are commonly affected (median age 26-28 years),23 although about 5% of cases are seen in women. The condition is sometimes misdiagnosed in primary care, particularly among amateur athletes, when it is not suspected.4