Groin pain

Overview

Groin pain is discomfort or pain in the area where your belly meets your upper thigh. This area is called the groin. The pain can come from muscles, tendons, bones, or organs nearby, like the hip joint, parts of the bowel, or the reproductive organs.

Yes, groin pain is very common. It happens to people of all ages, especially those who are physically active or play sports.

Groin pain can affect anyone, but it is most common in athletes (especially runners and soccer players), people who do heavy lifting, older adults with hip arthritis, and men with hernias.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dull ache or sharp pain in the groin area
• Pain that gets worse when you move, cough, or lift something
• Tenderness or swelling in the groin
• Bruising if there was an injury

Symptoms in children

• Groin pain in children is often from a muscle pull or groin strain from sports.
• It can also be from a hernia or a hip problem. A child may limp or refuse to walk.
• In boys, sudden severe groin pain could be a sign of testicular torsion, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms in older adults

• Groin pain in older adults is often linked to hip arthritis (wear and tear of the hip joint).
• It may feel like a dull ache in the groin, especially after walking or standing.
• A hernia is also common in older adults and can cause a lump or pain in the groin.

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle strain or pulled groin muscle (often from sports or overstretching)
• Femoral hernia or inguinal hernia (soft tissue pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal wall)
• Hip problems, such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the hip joint) or labral tear
• Kidney stones (can cause sharp pain that travels to the groin)
• Testicular problems in men, like testicular torsion or epididymitis
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin due to infection or other conditions

Risk factors

• Playing sports that involve sudden stops, twists, or kicks (like football, hockey, or rugby)
• Heavy lifting or jobs that require a lot of bending and lifting
• Being overweight or obese, which increases pressure on the groin area
• Having a family history of hernias
• Age – older adults are more likely to have hip arthritis or hernias
• Chronic cough or constipation, which increases abdominal pressure

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a painful, tender lump in the groin that you cannot push back in and it feels hard or hot
• You have severe pain that comes on suddenly and you cannot move your leg or walk
• You have groin pain along with a high fever, chills, vomiting, or blood in your urine
• If you are a man and have sudden severe pain in the testicle or scrotum

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have groin pain that lasts longer than a few days and does not get better with rest
• You notice a lump in the groin that comes and goes, even if it is not painful
• The pain is mild but keeps coming back or stops you from doing your usual activities

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any injuries. They will also examine the groin area – feeling for lumps, checking movement, and sometimes pressing on your stomach or hip.

Tests that may be done

• You may not need any tests. Often a diagnosis can be made from the exam alone.
• If the doctor suspects a hernia or a muscle/hip problem, they may order an ultrasound scan.
• If hip arthritis is suspected, an X-ray may be taken.
• In some cases, blood tests or urine tests are done to check for infection or kidney stones.

What to expect at your appointment

The visit usually takes 15–30 minutes. The doctor will gently press and move your leg to check the hip and groin. They may ask you to cough or strain to check for a hernia. Most groin pain does not require any invasive tests.

Treatment

Treatment for groin pain depends on the cause. Many cases of muscle strain or mild injury get better with rest and home care. For other causes, such as hernia or hip arthritis, medical treatment or surgery may be needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest the affected area and avoid the activity that caused the pain for a few days.
• Apply ice packs to the area for 15–20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling.
• Gently stretch the groin muscles when the pain starts to improve – ask your doctor or a physiotherapist for safe stretches.
• Over-the-counter pain relief (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) can help with discomfort – always follow the instructions on the packet.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy (exercises to strengthen the groin and hip muscles). For inflammation, they may suggest anti-inflammatory medicines (available over the counter or by prescription). If the pain is from a hernia, a doctor may advise a special support belt or truss until surgery can be done.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often needed for a hernia that does not go away or causes symptoms. It may also be needed for testicular torsion (emergency surgery) or for some hip problems if other treatments have not worked.

Living with this condition

With groin pain, you may need to adapt your daily activities. Avoid heavy lifting, sudden movements, or sports for a while. Use ice after exercise and take rest breaks. If pain is from a chronic condition like arthritis, pacing yourself and using walking aids can help.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the groin and hips.
• Wear supportive shoes and avoid high heels if you have hip pain.
• If you lift objects at work, use proper lifting techniques (bend your knees, keep the load close to your body).
• Stay active with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, which are easier on the groin.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet helps keep your weight healthy and reduces constipation, which can worsen hernias. For exercise, start with gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the groin and hips, as guided by a physiotherapist. Avoid high-impact sports until you are pain-free.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic groin pain can be frustrating and may affect your mood or sleep. It is normal to feel worried or down. Talk to your doctor if pain is affecting your mental health – they can offer support or refer you to counselling.

Prevention

Not all groin pain can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk. Warm up properly before exercise, strengthen your core and leg muscles, use correct lifting techniques, and avoid sudden increases in activity. Wearing supportive gear during sports may also help.

Complications

If left untreated

• A hernia may become strangulated – the blood supply is cut off, causing severe pain, vomiting, and needing emergency surgery.
• Untreated testicular torsion can lead to loss of the testicle.
• Chronic muscle strains can lead to long-term weakness and repeated injuries.
• Untreated hip arthritis can get worse and lead to disability.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for groin pain is generally very good. Most causes, especially muscle strains and mild hernias, get better with simple treatment or surgery. With proper care, most people return to their normal activities. Even chronic hip pain can often be managed well to keep you active and comfortable.

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