Several groups of muscles attach in the groin area. A forceful
blow to the groin can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, blood
vessels, or organs in the abdomen or genital area. A sharp
object can penetrate and injure the groin or genital area. You
can pull (strain) or tear a groin muscle during exercise, such
as running, skating, kicking in soccer, or playing basketball.
You can strain a groin muscle during lifting, pushing, or
pulling heavy objects. A fall can pull a groin muscle. A sudden
pulling or tearing of a groin muscle may cause sudden pain. A
snapping sound may be heard with hip or leg movement. Swelling
and bruising can occur quickly. Sometimes swelling and bruising
do not show up for a few days after the injury. Inguinal hernias
occur when a weak spot develops in the lower abdominal tissue.
Often the cause of the hernia is not known, but may be caused by
lifting, straining, coughing, obesity, pregnancy, constipation,
or aging. A weakness or abnormality in the muscles from birth
(congenital) may al