Although crunches strengthen the abdominal muscles, they also make the muscles larger and bulkier as well as put stress on the back and groin --- stress that can lead to swelling in the groin area. As such, performing crunch after crunch might not be your preferred route to a flat stomach. Consult your doctor if your post-crunch groin swelling persists or worsens.
Muscle, Tendon or Ligament Strain
The most common cause of groin swelling is muscle, tendon or ligament strain. Groin swelling may occur immediately after an injury, or swelling may come on gradually over a period of weeks to months, according to MayoClinic.com. Groin swelling may be worsened by continued use of the injured area.
Abdominal Wall Defect
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin area on either side of your pubic bone. Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in your groin during exercise, a heavy or dragging sensation in your groin or pain and swelling in the scrotum around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum, if you are a male.
Lymph Nodes
A lymph node is a small, round cluster of cells that produce protein particles used to fight bacterial and viral infections. Lymph nodes are located in groups; each group drains lymphatic fluid from a specific area of your body, MayoClinic.com explains. You may be more likely to notice swelling in certain areas, such as in the lymph nodes in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.
Further Investigation
Swelling in the groin may be a benign occurrence, but it is important for you to get this problem fully investigated by your doctor. The swelling can grow in size and become painful if you aren't already experiencing pain.
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