Groin strains

A groin strain refers to pain that comes from one of the 5 adductor muscles on the inside of your thigh. These muscles work to move your leg towards the midline of your body and help stabilise your hip during activity.

Each muscle has a tendon, which attaches it to your leg and pelvis bones. The tendon can become painful as a result of:

• high-speed movement
• sudden change of direction during sport.

The term used for a painful tendon is tendinopathy. A groin strain is also known as an adductor tendinopathy.

Symptoms of a groin strain can include:

• pain in the inner thigh or groin area
• swelling or bruising
• muscle weakness
• difficulty moving your leg or hip.

Movements that use the muscle will be painful, such as:

• walking
• running
• kicking
• jumping
• changing direction.

You may also feel pain with activities that stretch the muscle and tendon, such as swinging your leg to get in and out of a car or bed.

To diagnose a groin strain, talk to a:

• healthcare provider
• physiotherapist
• chiropractor
• osteopath
• podiatrist.

They will ask you questions about where your pain is and what makes it worse.

They will also test the strength of your muscle and tendon. They will do this by getting you to move your leg while they try to prevent its movement.

There are things you can do to help you manage a groin strain.

Initially, you may need to modify your activities. You should avoid or limit activities that make your pain feel worse. It is important not to do:

• any exercises that move your leg sideways, away from your body (stretching the muscles in your groin)
• too much too soon.

Follow the advice on managing soft tissue injuries.

Soft tissue injuries and treatment

Simple pain relief, such as paracetamol, may help to make you more comfortable.

Pain relief medicine for adults

As your symptoms improve, you can gradually increase your activity levels. When your tendon has recovered, you can safely stretch it again.

You may like to see a physiotherapist or other healthcare provider to help with your recovery.

Treating a groin strain involves gradually strengthening the tendon. Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to do. While you are doing them, you:

• should feel the tendon working
• should not feel pain during the exercises or after them.

Other treatments may include:

• planning how to modify your activity levels
• advice and specific rehabilitation to help you return to sport and other activities
• assessment of your feet and legs, including how you walk and run
• advice about footwear and modifications such as orthotics for your shoes.

You can reduce the risk of having a groin strain by doing regular activities to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Find something you enjoy doing, such as:

• cycling
• yoga
• tai chi
• general stretching and strengthening exercises at home or in the gym.

Whenever you are starting a new sport or training for an event, make sure you:

• start slowly
• increase the amount you are doing very gradually.

Allow yourself several weeks to reach the level of training you want. This allows your muscles and tendons to safely adapt to their new demands.