Pain at the top of the groin: what to know

Groin pain high near the hip crease may be felt when walking, turning, lifting the knee, running, or getting out of a chair. A sudden sprint, kick, or change of direction can strain the adductor muscles. Pain with hip rotation or deep flexion can occur with Hip Impingement or a Hip Labral Tear, while gradual stiffness and reduced movement can occur with Hip Osteoarthritis. These conditions present with groin pain in different ways; the symptom alone cannot identify one cause.

Tell the clinician whether the pain began suddenly or gradually, whether it travels to the thigh, and whether there is clicking, catching, weakness, fever, or a bulge. A hip and abdominal examination helps separate joint, muscle, tendon, and non-orthopedic causes.

Temporarily reduce sprinting, kicking, rapid pivots, deep lunges, and any movement that sharply increases pain. Keep gentle walking and comfortable hip movement if you can do so without limping. Ice or heat may help some people; protect the skin and stop if it aggravates symptoms. Do not stretch forcefully immediately after a sudden injury.

If pain follows sport or keeps returning, a physiotherapist can assess strength, hip control, running mechanics, and the progression back to activity. Sports Physiotherapy may be useful when training demands are part of the problem.

Seek urgent care after a major injury if you cannot bear weight, the hip looks deformed, or pain is severe. Prompt assessment is also needed for fever with a hot, painful joint, rapidly worsening symptoms, new numbness or weakness, or a painful groin bulge with vomiting. Arrange a routine evaluation if pain lasts, limits sleep or normal walking, or returns whenever activity increases.

Ask whether the pain appears to arise from the hip joint, adductor muscles, tendons, or another area. Ask which movements to pause, whether imaging is needed, how to rebuild strength, and what milestones should guide a return to running or sport.