What to do for a groin strain

A groin strain usually affects an adductor muscle or its tendon on the inner thigh. It may start with a sudden pull during a sprint, kick, slide, or change of direction, followed by pain with walking or bringing the legs together. Tenderness, weakness, swelling, or bruising can accompany it. Similar pain can come from the hip, abdominal wall, hernia, or scrotal structures, so a diagnosis should be based on an examination rather than the activity alone.

Stop sport and avoid movements that produce sharp pain. For the early phase, choose comfortable walking and change position regularly rather than staying completely still. A cold pack wrapped in cloth may ease discomfort briefly; remove it if the skin becomes numb or irritated. Do not force a stretch or repeatedly test strength. After assessment, Exercise Therapy can progress from gentle activation to strengthening. A Return-to-Sport Programme can then build running, cutting, and sport-specific confidence.

Arrange prompt care if you cannot walk normally, pain is severe, bruising or swelling is substantial, or a bulge appears in the groin. Seek urgent attention for sudden scrotal pain or swelling, fever, a cold or pale leg, or numbness that is new or worsening. If improvement stops or symptoms return whenever activity increases, book a review rather than repeatedly resting and restarting.

Ask which activities are safe, whether the hip and abdominal wall need checking, when strengthening should start, how to judge readiness for sport, and what changes require urgent care.