Types of Groin Pain: What to Know

Pain after sprinting, kicking, changing direction, or stretching may involve the adductor muscles. Deep groin pain with turning, squatting, or bringing the hip up can occur with [Hip Impingement](/conditions/hip-impingement/) or a [Hip Labral Tear](/conditions/hip-labral-tear/). Stiffness that builds with walking or after rest may occur with [Hip Osteoarthritis](/conditions/hip-osteoarthritis/). These conditions present with groin pain; groin pain itself does not establish any one diagnosis.

A bulge or discomfort that increases with coughing or straining may point toward a hernia rather than a muscle problem. Pain can also be felt from the lower abdomen, pelvis, back, or upper thigh, so the location and activity pattern are useful clues.

For pain after activity, temporarily reduce sprinting, kicking, and deep hip positions while keeping comfortable movement. Avoid forcing a stretch into sharp pain. Note the onset, trigger, exact location, walking tolerance, and any bulge or clicking. A clinician can assess the hip, adductors, abdomen, and back. [Sports Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/sports-physiotherapy/) may help when a sports-related load problem is identified.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe groin pain with a painful firm bulge, vomiting, or inability to push a bulge back, or for severe pain after an injury with inability to bear weight. Prompt assessment is also needed for fever, a hot swollen joint, testicular pain or swelling, new numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Persistent or recurring [Groin Pain](/symptoms/groin-pain/) deserves evaluation even when it is manageable.

Ask whether the pain seems to come from the hip, adductor muscles, abdomen, or another area; whether an examination or imaging is needed; and which movements to pause. Ask when strengthening can start, how to return to sport, and which symptoms should lead to an earlier review.