People do not realize if they have the problem of a pulled groin or hernia injury, since they both affect the same area and have the same symptoms.

People who experience pain in the lower abdominal and groin area, often wonder if they have a pulled groin or hernia. Both these conditions are closely related to each other, and afflict the same region of the human body, thus confusing many people. Without proper examination and investigation from a doctor it is hard to tell the real cause of the pain and the condition, but it is easier to recognize a hernia due to the presence of a visible lump.

Both these injuries are commonly felt by athletes and individuals who undertake strenuous physical activity. The groin pain can be so severe in some cases that it restricts movement entirely, and disables the afflicted person for a period of time. Recovering from both these conditions requires complete bed rest along with the application of certain external solutions. A hernia injury may additionally require surgery as well.

Pulled Groin Injury

This is an injury that occurs when the groin muscles or the adductor muscles get strained excessively, as a result of some form of physical activity. When these muscles get stretched too far and suddenly, it results in inflammation and discomfort in that area. People who are suffering from this ailment will find it very hard to walk around, let alone carry out strenuous physical activities.

There are three grades of a groin strain, with Grade III being the highest and most painful injury. A doctor observes the exact area where the swelling is occurring, and what the symptoms are. People with this condition will find it difficult to walk and run, but people with a hernia will find it difficult to bend down and lift objects as well.

The groin pull treatment will involve complete rest from all activities, and stopping all tasks that cause the pain to increase. Applying an ice pack and some heat treatment on the condition will also be helpful. There is no surgery that can solve this problem, and the healing process will have to be permitted to take a natural course. The individual will slowly be able to perform some exercises and stretches designed for him/her, and this will increase the recovery rate.

Hernia Injury

This is a condition where the intestines of an individual start protruding through the abdominal walls, due to an inherent weakness in these walls along with the causes of this condition. This causes a visible lump to appear as a protrusion, and this makes the area very sensitive and painful to touch.

There are many different hernia types that are caused by different factors. The most commonly seen form is the one that affects an athlete while playing. The movement and the intensity of the sport forces the intestines to dig through the weak abdominal wall, and this will result in immediate and intense pain. The athlete will be unable to walk as soon as the pain appears, and the clearest of all symptoms is that the pain worsens when the individual coughs, sneezes, or yawns.

Hernia takes far longer to recover from. Moreover, the condition will require a repair surgery in order to fix it permanently. During the surgery, a doctor will push the intestines back into place, and repair the area from where the protrusions were seen. This may not be a permanent solution though, as this same area can be breached again, or a neighboring region can also be weakened. A person recovering from a hernia surgery will require complete bed rest for a few weeks before he can resume physical movement again.

Hernia is a far worse condition to find oneself with. This is much more painful, much more crippling and requires a longer time to recover from. Though athletes and sportsmen are the most commonly afflicted people, nobody is immune from these conditions.

A doctor will help you determine whether the pain is being caused by a groin pull or hernia, but you will have a clue beforehand if you observe the afflicted region. Remember to heed the advice of the doctor, so that you enjoy a speedy recovery, with minimum risk of a relapse.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.