What should you know about a pulled groin ligament?

The groin contains the adductor muscles, tendons, hip joint, abdominal wall and supporting connective tissues. A sudden turn, kick, split-like movement, fall or heavy lift can irritate one or more of them. Pain may appear at the inner thigh, crease of the hip or pubic area and may worsen with bringing the leg inward, walking quickly, coughing or changing direction. The label ligament does not identify the injured tissue by itself.

An examination can map tenderness, test hip movement and compare strength. [Groin Pain](/symptoms/groin-pain/) includes other patterns that may need different care, especially when symptoms did not begin with a clear movement or injury.

Protect the area from the motion that provokes sharp pain while maintaining easy movement. For a recent injury, a cloth-wrapped cold pack may be soothing. Avoid forceful stretching, repeated self-testing and high-speed sport until basic movement is comfortable. Rehabilitation commonly progresses from gentle motion to controlled strengthening, followed by running, cutting or kicking drills when appropriate. [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) can help tailor that progression.

Sports participants may benefit from [Sports Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/sports-physiotherapy/) to review technique and training load. Pain relief choices should be checked with a pharmacist or clinician when other health conditions or medicines are involved.

Arrange an assessment for ongoing pain, a pop, bruising, weakness, a limp or difficulty climbing stairs. Seek urgent care for inability to bear weight, severe swelling, a painful groin bulge, fever, major trauma, or testicular pain or swelling. Prompt review is also sensible when pain is severe without a clear injury.

Ask which tissue seems affected, whether imaging is needed, which movements are safe, and how return to running or sport will be tested. Describe the injury mechanism, exact pain location, swelling, bruising and any abdominal, hip or testicular symptoms.