Q: I am a 59-year-old female and I have had pain in my left groin area for several weeks. It comes and goes. I did not have a fall, but I did “save myself” when I slipped on a patch of ice. Could that be the cause of the problem? The pain seems worse at night and sometimes wakes me up when I roll over in bed.
A: The most likely cause is a pulled a ligament or tendon in the groin area between the abdomen and the leg. There is not much you can do about a strained groin except wait for it to heal. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen can help, but be careful if you have stomach ulcers or abnormal bleeding.
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Some people take them in conjunction with a stomach acid blocker such as Pepsid as a precaution against bleeding.
Other common causes of groin pain are hernias or osteoarthritis of the hip. Hernias are less common in women. Sometimes they do not cause very obvious bulges, but you should be able to feel something if you cough or sneeze. If you suspect a hernia, see your doctor.
In men, groin pain is often a result of a hernia or torsion of the testicle, which can be painful. Infections of the testes and scrotum and sometimes even tumours could also be their problem.
Enlarged lymph glands in the groin can also lead to pain. If these are present, treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Eating disorder research
Researchers in Sweden have recently discovered a possible link between eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia and the autoimmune process. These illnesses affect about three percent of the female population at some time in their lives. Both illnesses usually begin in the teens and can also affect boys. Anorexia causes a loss of 30 percent or more of the original body weight due to a phobia about gaining weight, and abnormal perceptions of body shape and size.
Researchers found 42 out of 57 anorexic women studied had abnormal antibodies attached to their cells. They speculated the antibodies may interfere with brain signals that regulate eating behaviour. At one time these disorders were thought to be psychological and patients were treated with psychotherapy. Now it is believed the condition is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder resulting from abnormal brain chemicals.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
