What should you know about pubic groin pain?

Pain near the pubic bone may be felt where the inner-thigh muscles attach, after a sudden change of direction, kicking, running, or repeated loading. Hip conditions can also produce pain in the groin, sometimes with stiffness, clicking, or discomfort when turning the leg. Hip impingement and a hip labral tear are examples of conditions that can present with groin pain; hip osteoarthritis may cause activity-related pain and reduced movement. A groin symptom does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

Temporarily reduce the movement that clearly provokes the pain, while keeping gentle, comfortable walking if it does not worsen symptoms. Avoid forceful stretching or returning to sprinting and cutting movements while pain is sharp. A clinician or physiotherapist can examine the hip, abdomen, pubic region, and inner thigh, then build a gradual strengthening and mobility plan. Sports physiotherapy may be useful when symptoms are linked to training or repeated sport movements.

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, returns whenever activity resumes, limits walking, or is accompanied by hip locking or marked loss of movement. Seek urgent care after a significant injury if you cannot bear weight, notice a visible deformity, or develop rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, or numbness. Sudden testicular pain, abdominal pain, or vomiting also needs urgent medical attention.

Ask which tissues may be involved, whether your hip needs assessment, which activities should be paused, and how to progress back to exercise. Mention when the pain began, the exact spot, movements that trigger it, and any clicking, weakness, or injury.