Muscle pain in the inner thigh and groin

The adductors help pull the leg toward the body and stabilise the pelvis. A quick change of direction, forceful kick, or repeated training can irritate them; pain may appear when squeezing the legs together, stepping sideways, or stretching the inner thigh. Hip Impingement may cause groin pain with deep flexion and rotation. A Hip Labral Tear can be accompanied by clicking or catching. Hip Osteoarthritis may bring stiffness and reduced hip range, with pain felt near the groin.

Pain location alone cannot identify the source. Note whether symptoms are sudden or gradual, whether bruising appeared, and whether walking, sitting, coughing, or hip rotation changes them. A physical examination can compare strength and movement on both sides.

Reduce running, jumping, kicking, and wide-leg movements while pain is sharp. Keep walking within comfort and use gentle hip motion without forcing the end range. A wrapped cold pack may help a recent flare; protect the skin. Avoid aggressive massage or stretching over a freshly painful area. When daily activity is easier, Sports Physiotherapy can provide progressive adductor loading, hip control work, and a staged return to exercise.

Seek prompt care for inability to bear weight, rapidly increasing swelling, extensive bruising, a pop with immediate weakness, or pain after substantial trauma. Get urgent help for severe abdominal or testicular pain, fever, a tender groin bulge that does not settle, or sudden leg swelling. Book a routine assessment if symptoms do not improve, keep returning, or are accompanied by hip locking or marked stiffness.

Is the pain coming from the adductors or the hip joint? Which exercises can I continue safely? How should strengthening progress, and when would imaging or specialist review be appropriate?