Pulled muscle in the pubic area: what to know

The pubic region is near the inner-thigh and lower-abdominal muscles that help bring the legs together and stabilise the pelvis. A strain can occur after kicking, running, changing direction, slipping, or a sudden increase in training. It may feel sore when squeezing the knees together, getting out of a car, climbing stairs, or taking a long stride. Bruising or a sudden painful snap can suggest a more substantial injury. Burning pain, a groin bulge, urinary symptoms, or testicular or reproductive symptoms should not be labelled a muscle strain without assessment.

Stop the provoking sport and take shorter, comfortable steps. Use a wrapped cold pack for a recent flare and avoid deep massage over the pubic area. As pain settles, gentle hip movement can prevent stiffness, but stop if it causes a sharp increase. A physiotherapist can assess adductor and abdominal strength and plan a staged return to running or kicking. Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief if you have long-term conditions or take other medicines. General information is available at [Muscle Strain](/conditions/muscle-strain/).

Get urgent medical help for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, rapidly increasing swelling, a painful groin bulge, fever, vomiting, blood in urine, or sudden testicular pain. Book a review when pain persists, bruising is significant, walking remains restricted, or symptoms do not steadily improve. A clinician can check the hip, abdominal wall, groin, and nearby joints. [Thigh Pain](/symptoms/thigh-pain/) may help you compare related muscle symptoms.

Ask which movements to avoid, whether the injury involves the inner-thigh muscles or abdominal wall, and how to return to sport. Describe the exact onset, any pop or bruising, pain with coughing, and urinary, bowel, genital, or reproductive symptoms.