Groin pain on both sides: what to know

Pain that is felt on both sides may follow activities that load the inner-thigh muscles, such as running, kicking, changing direction, or repeated lifting. Stiffness in both hips can also make the groin feel sore, especially after sitting or during walking. Hip impingement can cause groin discomfort with bending or turning; a labral tear may bring catching or clicking; hip osteoarthritis may cause stiffness with movement. These conditions can overlap, and the location alone cannot identify the cause.

Note whether the pain is muscular and tender to touch, deep in the hip, linked to a particular movement, or accompanied by swelling, a bulge, numbness, or back pain.

Reduce the movement that clearly provokes symptoms for a short period, while keeping gentle walking if it remains comfortable. Avoid forceful stretching into pain and return to sport gradually rather than testing the area repeatedly. A clinician or physiotherapist can compare hip movement, muscle strength, gait, and activity demands, then build a targeted rehabilitation plan. Sports Physiotherapy may be useful when symptoms are linked to training or repeated athletic movements.

Arrange an assessment if pain is persistent, keeps returning, limits walking or sleep, or does not settle after reducing the provoking activity. Seek prompt medical care for severe sudden pain, inability to bear weight, fever, significant swelling, a new groin bulge, testicular pain, or new weakness or numbness.

Ask which structures seem involved, whether hip movement or muscle testing reproduces the pain, which activities should be paused, and how to progress exercises safely. Bring a brief record of onset, triggers, previous injuries, and changes in training.