Inside groin pain: what to know

Pain deep in the groin that is brought on by hip flexion, pivoting, or sitting may occur with hip impingement or a hip labral tear. Aching with stiffness and reduced hip movement may occur with hip osteoarthritis. Pain closer to the inner thigh after a sprint, kick, or sudden stretch can involve the adductor muscles.

Tell a clinician whether the pain is deep or close to the skin, whether it clicks or catches, and whether it travels into the thigh. Groin pain can have more than one contributor, so the examination should include the hip, lower back, abdomen, and surrounding muscles.

Temporarily reduce sprinting, kicking, deep squats, and movements that reproduce the pain. Gentle walking is reasonable when it does not worsen symptoms. Avoid forceful stretching into pain, and use a wrapped cold pack after a recent activity-related flare if it feels soothing.

Keep a short record of the movement that started the pain, your walking tolerance, and any clicking or locking. Sports physiotherapy can assess hip motion, adductor strength, pelvic control, and return-to-activity needs, then guide a staged exercise plan.

Arrange medical assessment when pain persists, recurs with ordinary activity, causes limping, or limits hip movement. Seek urgent care for severe pain after trauma, inability to bear weight, a new groin bulge, fever, marked swelling, numbness, or pain with abdominal or urinary symptoms.

Does the pain seem to come from the hip joint, adductor muscles, or another area? Which movements should I avoid temporarily? Do I need an examination or imaging? What exercises are suitable now? What signs should guide my return to sport?