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Had Rip Replacement. Having Pain In Groin. May Be Hernia. Should I Wait To See A Doctor?
Question: Tree weeks ago I had a hip replacement and since then I have had a pain in my groin and it has got progressively worse,My thoughts being that it may be a HERNIA.I am due to see my surgeon in another two week ,but I am getting more worried as the pain is getting stronger,should I wait that long?
Hi XXXXXXX thank you for your question and welcome to our site.
Pain after a hip replacement can be due to several things which include infections, nerve problems like radiculopathies, or inflammation of the brusae that surround the hip. Specifically, groin pain may develop if the iliopsoas muscle which raises the hip rubs against the acetabular cup.
Hernias, on the other hand, present with a dull ache accompanied by a bulging mass that may appear or disappear.
I, am however, at a disadvantage because I cannot physically examine the painful area as in a true consult. I would, therefore, suggest that you seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following (aside from the pain):
1) any redness, warmth, and swelling around the area
2) fever, nausea, vomiting during the last couple of days
3) a bulging mass near your inguinal area/groin (this may point more to a hernia)
4) progressive pain that you cannot tolerate
Your physician/surgeon may do some examinations and prescribe some pain medications and exercises to help stretch the muscle and reduce the friction, if that is the case. A hernia, on the other hand, will need another simple surgical procedure to correct the defect.
In the meantime, you may try icing the area (which can help reduce both the possible inflammation and the pain). Rest the area and try not to move it in a way that can aggravate the pain. Do not hesitate to seek medical help if you notice any of the symptoms that I mentioned above.
I hope I was able to address your concerns adequately. If you have any other questions, I will be happy to help. If not, you may close the discussion and rate the answer. Take care and I wish you well!
Dr. Galera
Pain after a hip replacement can be due to several things which include infections, nerve problems like radiculopathies, or inflammation of the brusae that surround the hip. Specifically, groin pain may develop if the iliopsoas muscle which raises the hip rubs against the acetabular cup.
Hernias, on the other hand, present with a dull ache accompanied by a bulging mass that may appear or disappear.
I, am however, at a disadvantage because I cannot physically examine the painful area as in a true consult. I would, therefore, suggest that you seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following (aside from the pain):
1) any redness, warmth, and swelling around the area
2) fever, nausea, vomiting during the last couple of days
3) a bulging mass near your inguinal area/groin (this may point more to a hernia)
4) progressive pain that you cannot tolerate
Your physician/surgeon may do some examinations and prescribe some pain medications and exercises to help stretch the muscle and reduce the friction, if that is the case. A hernia, on the other hand, will need another simple surgical procedure to correct the defect.
In the meantime, you may try icing the area (which can help reduce both the possible inflammation and the pain). Rest the area and try not to move it in a way that can aggravate the pain. Do not hesitate to seek medical help if you notice any of the symptoms that I mentioned above.
I hope I was able to address your concerns adequately. If you have any other questions, I will be happy to help. If not, you may close the discussion and rate the answer. Take care and I wish you well!
Dr. Galera
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vasanth
Answered by
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