Groin pain that is worse when sitting

A low chair, prolonged hip bend or pressure at the front of the hip can make symptoms more noticeable. Deep groin pain with sitting and turning may occur with hip impingement or a labral tear; aching and stiffness can occur with hip osteoarthritis. These conditions present with groin pain in some people, while sitting-related groin pain can also have other causes.

Notice whether standing, walking, stairs, getting out of a car, coughing or exercise changes the pain. Burning, tingling or pain extending down the leg may suggest nerve involvement and deserves mention during assessment.

Change position regularly, use a chair that allows your hips to sit slightly higher than your knees, and avoid forcing the hip into a deep bend. Short, comfortable walks can break up long sitting periods. Do not repeatedly test the painful movement or begin aggressive stretching without guidance.

Write down sitting duration, chair type, pain location and what eases it. A physiotherapist can assess hip movement, muscle control and sitting habits, then adapt exercises to your symptoms. Sports physiotherapy may suit pain linked to training or sport.

Seek urgent assessment for severe sudden pain, inability to bear weight, fever with marked illness, a painful groin swelling, loss of bladder or bowel control, or new leg weakness. Book a clinical review when sitting pain persists, disrupts sleep, limits work or is accompanied by catching or giving way.

Ask: Is hip flexion reproducing the pain during examination? Could my chair or sitting posture be contributing? Which exercises are appropriate, and what change in symptoms should make me stop and seek review?