How is a groin strain diagnosed?

The clinician asks whether pain began during sprinting, kicking, a sudden change of direction, or a stretch. They locate tenderness, compare hip movement on both sides, and check whether bringing the legs together against resistance reproduces pain. A strain commonly involves an adductor muscle or its tendon, but hip joint problems, a hernia, and other causes can feel similar. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging may be considered when the injury is severe, recovery is not following the expected pattern, or the examination cannot distinguish tissues.

Reduce sprinting, kicking, and wide-leg movements that trigger pain. Gentle walking is reasonable if it does not increase symptoms or make you limp. A clinician or physiotherapist can guide a gradual programme that restores hip movement, adductor strength, balance, and sport-specific loading. Exercise Therapy and Sports Physiotherapy may be useful parts of that plan; a Return-to-Sport Programme can help decide when high-demand activity is appropriate.

Arrange an assessment if pain is severe, followed by marked bruising or swelling, or makes normal walking difficult. Seek urgent care after a major impact, if the hip or leg looks deformed, or if you cannot bear weight. New groin pain with abdominal symptoms, a tender bulge, fever, or testicular pain needs prompt medical attention because it may not be a muscle strain.

Ask which structure appears injured, whether imaging is needed, which movements to avoid, and how progress will be measured. Ask when strengthening should begin and what signs mean you are ready to resume running, cutting, or kicking.