What should you know about groin pain when bending over?

Bending brings the hip into flexion and can increase demand on the hip flexors, abdominal wall, and inner-thigh muscles. A pinching feeling deep in the groin, especially with sitting or rotating the hip, can occur with hip impingement. Clicking, catching, or giving way may occur with a hip labral tear. Stiffness after rest and reduced hip range can accompany hip osteoarthritis. These clues guide an examination but do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Notice whether the pain appears with a shallow bend, deep bend, lifting, coughing, or twisting, and stop before sharp pain develops. Keep objects close to your body, hinge gently through the hips, and use a raised surface temporarily if low bending is provocative. Avoid repeated deep squats and heavy lifting until symptoms settle. A physiotherapist can check hip movement, trunk control, and muscle strength and build a graded plan; Sports Physiotherapy can suit active people.

Book an assessment when bending pain persists, returns repeatedly, or limits work, exercise, or sleep. Get prompt care after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or if there is sudden severe pain, a new bulge, fever, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Do not force the hip through a blocked or catching movement.

Ask whether the pain is more consistent with the hip joint, muscle, or abdominal wall; which movements to modify; and whether an examination or imaging is appropriate. Describe the depth and direction of the bend that reproduces symptoms.