What is a groin strain?
Groin strains most commonly occur in sports that require rapid changes in direction, explosive sprinting, forceful kicking and side-to-side movements. These place significant stress on the groin muscles, which work to stabilize the hip and control the leg during activity. When these muscles generate high forces repeatedly they become vulnerable to strain. The risk is further increased in sports that involve frequent stop-and-go movements. The sudden stretching of the inner thigh or fatigue can compromise muscle control and lead to injury.
Causes of a groin strain
Groin injuries are common in sports that involve sudden changes of direction, sprinting, kicking or wide lateral movements. They typically occur during rapid acceleration, deceleration or sideways cutting. Weakness, fatigue or inadequate warm-up can increase the risk of a groin strain.
Common causes include:
- Sudden twisting or rapid change in direction
- Overstretching the inner thigh muscles
- Forceful kicking or sprinting
- Muscle fatigue or inadequate warm-up
Risk factors for a groin strain
- Poor flexibility or muscle weakness
- Previous groin injury
- Inadequate conditioning or improper training techniques
Symptoms of a groin strain
The most common symptoms of a groin strain are pain and tenderness in the inner thigh or groin area which often worsen with sudden movements.
Signs to watch for include:
- Pain or tenderness in the inner thigh or groin area
- Pain that worsens with movement, especially running or kicking
- Swelling or bruising
- Muscle weakness or tightness
Diagnosing a groin strain
Diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used in more severe cases to determine the extent of the injury.
Treatment of a groin strain
If you suspect you have a groin strain, rest and avoid activities that cause pain, such as sprinting, cutting or kicking. You should schedule an appointment to determine the severity of the injury and begin an appropriate recovery plan.
Treatment options include:
- Rest and avoidance of painful activities
- Ice to reduce pain and swelling
- Compression and elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as pain improves
- Physical therapy
Recovery from a groin strain
Recovery from a groin strain varies based on the severity of the injury, but treatment remains consistent across all cases: fully restore pain-free strength, flexibility and neuromuscular control before returning to sport.
Proper recovery focuses on allowing the injured muscle to heal while progressively reloading it in a controlled manner, ensuring it can tolerate the specific demands of activity. A gradual, well-structured rehabilitation process helps prevent lingering weakness, stiffness or compensatory patterns, all of which can increase the risk of reinjury if an athlete returns to activity too soon.
When to seek care for a groin strain
- Pain is severe or does not improve with rest
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Significant swelling or bruising
- Pain persists beyond a few weeks or interferes with daily activities
- A popping sensation at the time of injury, which may indicate a more serious tear