Groin Pull Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

The most frequently encountered groin injury is a groin strain, also called a pulled groin. This condition occurs when the muscles located on the inner aspect of the thigh, which attach to the pelvic bone and are known as the adductor muscles, undergo overstretching or partial tearing. 

Groin strains can cause significant discomfort. They are predominantly observed in athletes engaged in sports requiring sudden directional changes, rapid acceleration, or lateral movements. The severity of the strain largely determines the recovery period, which may extend over several weeks. Careful management and a structured adductor rehab program are necessary to restore full muscular function.

What causes Groin Pull?

Athletes who frequently stop, start, and change direction while running or jumping are at an increased risk of developing a groin pull. These sudden movements can overstretch or tear the adductor muscles, resulting in an adductor strain. Additionally, direct trauma to the groin region can lead to a similar injury.

Groin muscle injuries are particularly prevalent in sports such as soccer and hockey, where rapid lateral movements are common. Approximately 10% of all injuries in these sports involve the groin.

• How the Injury Occurs: The injury typically arises from sudden forceful movements, overuse, or direct impact to the inner thigh.
• Common Everyday Causes: Groin strains can also occur during everyday activities, such as lifting heavy objects incorrectly, slipping on a wet surface, or performing sudden lunges during exercise.

Sports Commonly Associated with Groin Strain:

• Soccer: Quick sprints and sudden direction changes frequently overload the adductor muscles.
• Hockey: Skating strides and abrupt stops place high stress on the inner thigh muscles.
• Football: Lateral cuts and tackles can cause sudden overstretching of the groin.
• Basketball: Jumping and side-to-side movements increase susceptibility to adductor strains.
• Ice Skating: Repetitive push-offs and turns continuously strain inner thigh muscles.
• Wrestling: Grappling and sudden movements can directly stress the adductor muscles.
• Track and Field Sports: Sprinting and hurdling motions may overstretch the groin muscles.
• Gymnastics: High-impact landings and splits can strain the adductors.

Symptoms

The clinical presentation of a groin muscle injury can vary depending on the severity and extent of the strain. Athletes and individuals affected may experience various symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sports performance. Commonly observed signs include:

• Sharp pain localized in the inner thigh may intensify during movement, stretching, or sudden changes in direction.
• Popping or snapping sensation felt during injury, often indicating a sudden tear or overstretch of the adductor muscles.
• Tenderness or tightness in the groin area can make even light pressure or simple movements uncomfortable.
• Swelling or bruising around the affected muscles may develop within hours to days following the injury.
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness, limiting normal movement, agility, and the ability to perform athletic activities effectively.

Non-operative treatment

Most groin strains tend to heal naturally over time, but specific measures can help reduce pain and minimize swelling. Healthcare providers often recommend a combination of strategies, which may include:

• Rest: Avoid activities that strain the groin muscles to allow healing.
• Ice: Apply cold packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Compression: Use elastic wraps or supports to limit swelling and provide stability.
• Elevation: Raise the leg when possible to help decrease swelling.
• Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be suggested to manage pain and inflammation.

Once pain and swelling have decreased, the doctor may advise a structured stretching and strengthening program. These exercises help restore flexibility, improve muscle strength, and support a faster, safer return to normal activity or sports.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Groin Strain

Surgical Treatment

Groin strains are typically managed without surgical intervention, as most cases respond well to conservative care. Surgical treatment is rarely required and is generally considered only in exceptional cases where the muscle is severely torn or other complications arise.