The diagnosis of pubalgia is a so-called “elimination” diagnosis. That is to say, it is imperative to look one by one for the other causes of pain than a pubalgia and to eliminate them as and when in order to end up affirming that it is indeed a pubalgia. Other causes may require different treatment than for pubalgia.

This is particularly the case of tendonitis of the adductors or abdominal muscles which is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, or even local infiltrations (injections) of corticosteroids which are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.

In some cases, it may be bone fractures, known as fatigue or stress, related to repetitive strain injuries such as sport or intense and prolonged physical exercise can cause them. Historically, this type of “low noise” fracture has been described in young soldiers with little training and subjected to particularly restrictive exercises.  

The microtraumas induced by the practice of sport can also weaken the bones and promote infection. In this case, the pain is associated with a fever and there is a change in blood tests.   

In all cases, the interrogation must be “police”, constituting a real investigation and make it possible to know: the type of sporting practice, the frequency, the equipment used, the methods of training, etc.

The clinical examination is also very important. The doctor examines very closely the posture, the state of the muscles, looks for localized pain, signs of inguinal hernia. He performs his examination immediately after training and also at rest.

Among the additional examinations, the most useful are: pelvic x-ray, ultrasound and MRI.