Pain in the inner thigh near the groin: what to know

The adductor muscles pull the leg inward and can become sore after sprinting, kicking, a sudden change of direction, or an overstretch. Pain deep in the groin with hip flexion, pivoting, or prolonged sitting can come from the hip joint. Hip Impingement may cause pinching with certain positions, while a Hip Labral Tear can be associated with clicking, catching, or deep joint pain. Hip Osteoarthritis may bring stiffness and reduced hip movement. Groin Pain can also have causes outside the musculoskeletal system, so the wider symptom picture matters.

For the first few days, reduce sprinting, kicking, wide lunges, and any movement that reproduces the pain. Keep gentle walking if your stride is normal and symptoms do not build afterward. Avoid forceful groin stretching during an acute flare. A clinician or physiotherapist can check hip movement, adductor strength, walking, and abdominal or pelvic factors. Sports Physiotherapy may help with a staged return to training once the source and severity are understood.

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, causes a limp, returns with sport, or limits stairs and daily movement. Seek prompt care after a fall or sudden injury when you cannot bear weight, bruising is extensive, or a lump or deformity appears. Urgent medical help is needed for severe testicular or lower-abdominal pain, fever with a hot swollen hip, vomiting, new leg weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask whether the adductors, hip joint, nerve, or another structure is responsible. Describe the exact movement that started the pain, whether it is deep or superficial, and any clicking, bruising, swelling, back pain, numbness, or abdominal symptoms. Ask when strengthening can begin and what milestones should come before running or changing direction.