Injury After Falling on Stairs: Persistent Groin and Pelvic Discomfort Two Weeks Later
Hello, I'm a 31-year-old male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 260 pounds, and I don't smoke. A fortnight ago, while escorting my dogs outside, I lost my footing unexpectedly on the second step, reminiscent of slipping on a banana peel. I managed to grab the railing, which helped me slow down as I slid down the final six steps. Initially, I only sustained a significant bruise on my lower back during the first week following the incident. However, by Saturday evening, I noticed some pressure in my groin area—not in my testicles, but more so in the muscles beneath. As of tonight, that sensation has persisted, but it has also started to radiate down into my calves and buttocks sporadically. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to take some time off work to consult my primary physician for possible X-rays or MRIs. My wife believes I might just be dealing with a bone contusion or muscle strains due to the fall, but I'm troubled by the fact that these symptoms are emerging two weeks post-injury. I also have a history of hypertension for which I take losartan.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 4:01:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about persistent discomfort following an injury, especially when new symptoms develop weeks later. Your experience indicates that while the initial bruise was manageable, the ongoing pressure and radiating sensations could suggest underlying muscle or nerve involvement due to the fall.
Explanation: After a fall, it's common to initially notice bruising or superficial injuries, but additional issues can arise in the form of muscle strains, ligament injuries, or even nerve-related symptoms. The discomfort in your groin that radiates down to your calves and buttocks suggests that something may have affected not just the muscles but possibly the nerves in that area. Muscle strains are typical in such injuries and might take time to manifest fully. Given your hypertension, ongoing pain could also impact your overall well-being if not addressed.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your discomfort. Note if the pain worsens with certain movements or if you experience new symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs.
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Self-Care: Start by resting the affected area. Avoid bending over or heavy lifting that exacerbates the pain. Apply ice packs to the groin area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially if there's swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help reduce pain and inflammation if you're not contraindicated due to other medications.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle range of motion exercises or light stretching as tolerated. This can help maintain mobility without stressing your injury.
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Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they worsen, consider taking time off work to seek a comprehensive evaluation. It may be helpful to discuss your symptoms and the timeline with your primary physician, who may recommend imaging studies (like X-rays or an MRI) to rule out any significant injuries.
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Be Observant: If you experience symptoms such as unexplained swelling, extreme pain that can't be managed with OTC medications, or changes in bowel/bladder function, seek immediate medical attention.
Taking these steps will help manage your current symptoms while allowing you to assess whether further medical intervention is necessary. Please prioritize your well-being and don't hesitate to reach out for medical support if needed.
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