Extreme pain in groin area: what to know

Pain may be felt where the abdomen meets the thigh, but its source can be the hip joint, adductor muscles, tendons, or nearby nerves. A hip labral tear can cause deep groin pain with clicking or catching. Hip impingement may hurt when the hip bends or rotates. Hip osteoarthritis can bring stiffness and pain after activity. A muscle strain is more likely after a sudden sprint, kick, slip, or change of direction. The pattern, onset, swelling, bruising, and ability to bear weight help a clinician narrow the cause.

Groin pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Note whether it is on one side, follows an injury, spreads into the thigh, or appears with fever, abdominal pain, or urinary symptoms.

Stop running, jumping, and movements that reproduce the pain. Reduce weight on the affected side; use support if walking is difficult. A wrapped cold pack for short periods may help after a recent injury. Avoid forceful stretching or deep hip exercises until the cause is clearer. Arrange a clinical assessment promptly; an examination may be followed by imaging when a joint or bone problem is suspected. Sports physiotherapy can help with a graded return once serious injury has been excluded.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe pain, inability to stand or walk, a visibly displaced hip, marked swelling, numbness or weakness, fever, or pain after a significant fall. Emergency assessment is also appropriate when groin pain comes with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, a painful groin bulge, or sudden testicular pain.

Ask what structure seems to be causing the pain, whether you need an X-ray or other scan, which activities are safe, and what signs should bring you back sooner.