What causes groin pain?

Pain after sprinting, kicking, changing direction, or lifting may involve the inner-thigh muscles, known as the adductors. A groin strain can hurt when you bring the legs together or push off.

Pain felt deep in the groin, especially with sitting, pivoting, or moving the hip, can occur with hip impingement, a hip labral tear, or hip osteoarthritis. A sports hernia affects the lower abdominal or groin region and may flare with forceful activity even when there is no visible lump.

Reduce the movement that reliably triggers the pain for a short period, while keeping gentle daily movement within comfort. Cold packs wrapped in cloth may help after a recent activity-related injury. Avoid stretching forcefully into sharp pain.

A clinician can examine the hip, abdomen, and inner thigh and decide whether imaging or guided rehabilitation is useful. Sports physiotherapy may help restore strength, hip control, and a gradual return to activity.

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, keeps returning, limits walking, or follows a clear injury. Seek urgent care for severe pain after trauma, inability to bear weight, a painful groin bulge that will not go back in, fever, or sudden testicular pain.

Ask which structure seems to be causing the pain, what movements to avoid, whether the hip or abdominal wall needs assessment, and how activity should be increased safely.