What should you know about a male groin pull?

The adductor muscles draw the leg inward and help stabilise the pelvis. A sudden sprint, change of direction, kick, slip or heavy effort can overload their fibres. Symptoms may include local groin pain, tenderness, pain when squeezing the knees together and reduced confidence with running. Bruising or weakness can occur with a more substantial injury. Groin pain has other possible causes, so an examination is useful when the mechanism is unclear or recovery is not progressing.

Stop the activity that triggered the pain and use comfortable, easy movement rather than repeatedly testing the injury. Cold therapy wrapped in cloth may help symptoms for short periods, and a clinician can advise on pain relief. As walking becomes easier, rehabilitation may progress from gentle range-of-motion work to adductor and hip strengthening, balance and running drills. A sports physiotherapist or exercise therapist can match the load to your strength and sport.

Arrange prompt assessment for severe pain, a visible deformity, extensive bruising, inability to walk, pain after a major fall, or weakness that appeared suddenly. Seek urgent care for a painful groin lump, testicular pain or swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or a leg that becomes cold or numb. If symptoms are not steadily improving, obtain a diagnosis before returning to sport.

Which muscle or structure is injured, and what activities should I pause? When can I begin strengthening, and what tests show that running or sport is safe? Would imaging or physiotherapy change the plan?