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Glam Monitor

How do you diagnose a groin strain?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on May 25, 2026

Groin strain symptoms

  1. bruising or swelling of the inner thigh.
  2. pain when a person raises their knee.
  3. pain when a person closes or opens their legs.
  4. the groin or inner thigh may feel warmer than usual.
  5. muscles feel weak or tight.
  6. limping or difficulty moving the leg.

How do you tell if you pulled your groin?

Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:

  1. Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thigh.
  2. Pain when you bring your legs together.
  3. Pain when you raise your knee.
  4. A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain.

How do doctors diagnose a groin injury?

X-ray or ultrasound are typically used initially, based on the doctor's probable suspected diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently necessary to diagnose soft tissue groin injuries and some stress fractures.

What does it feel like when you strain a groin muscle?

A groin strain causes sharp pain or spasms in the groin area or lower abdominal region. The pain can quickly resolve, or it can persist, developing into a throbbing pain at rest with sharp stabs of pain when you try to move your leg or walk.

How long does a groin strain last?

With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal on their own in about 4–8 weeks. More severe groin strains can take longer. It is very important to let the strain heal fully and get the doctor's OK before going back to activities.

27 related questions found

How do I know if I have a hernia or a pulled groin?

How do I know if I have a hernia or a pulled groin muscle? Feelings of dull aching and pain in the groin area are common for both a muscle strain and a hernia. A key indicator that you may have a hernia, however, is if you have a small bulge or lump on one side of the groin.

How do I know if my groin pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  1. Groin pain associated with back, abdomen or chest pain.
  2. Sudden, severe testicle pain.
  3. Testicle pain and swelling accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or blood in the urine.

What is the most common cause of groin pain?

Muscle strain is one of the most common causes of groin pain. Other common causes include fractures, tears in the cartilage, and arthritis. Hernias, kidney stones, and bone conditions may also cause this kind of pain.

Where is groin pain located?

Groin pain refers to discomfort in the area where the abdomen ends and the legs begin. This article focuses on groin pain in men. The terms "groin" and "testicle" are sometimes used interchangeably. But what causes pain in one area does not always cause pain in the other.

Is naproxen good for groin strain?

Compress your thigh using an elastic bandage or tape. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, will help with pain and swelling. Note: these should only be used for a short period, such as up to 1-2 weeks. Active stretching and strengthening exercises.

What helps a pulled groin heal faster?

Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, is a proven method for reducing pain and inflammation in the soft tissues. Cold reduces inflammation, which can help with pain and support a quicker recovery. In fact, the faster you can apply cold to the injured area, the quicker your groin strain recovery may be.

Is a hot bath good for a groin strain?

The heat can either be moist heat (Jacuzzi, whirlpool) or dry heat (hot pack). The heat should be applied for 10 – 15 minutes for the purpose of increasing circulation to the tissue and increasing extensibility of the muscle fibers.

Does a hip MRI show the groin?

MRI is sensitive in diagnosing pathology in groin pain, with injuries to the adductor tendon attachment to the pubic tubercle most commonly identified. Not only can MRI be used to image rectus abdominis/adductor longus aponeurosis and pubic bone pathology, it can also identify hip or inguinal canal abnormalities.

Do I need to see a doctor for a groin strain?

If your groin pain is from an injury but doesn't improve, or you have severe pain or a fever, see a doctor who can diagnose the exact cause and severity of the injury. From there, he or she can recommend physical therapy or other treatment if necessary.

What kind of doctor should I see for groin pain?

Make an urgent appointment with your family doctor or urologist. With the right medication, you'll feel much better within a few days. If the symptoms don't get better or if they return, see your doctor promptly. There are a few other, less common causes of pain or swelling in a testicle.

What is the best painkiller for groin pain?

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a protective layer such as a towel, on the sore area for 20 to 30 minutes two to four times a day.

What is Gilmore's groin?

Gilmore's Groin also known as sportman's hernia is a common injury involving the groin region. Gilmores groin is a chronic muscular groin pain most commonly acquired by athletes whose sport involves a regular kicking action such as soccer or rugby.

How should I sleep with a pulled groin?

Ouch! A groin or hip injury can make sleeping painful. For groin and hip injuries, it's best to sleep on your side, always keeping the injured side facing the ceiling.
...
Best Sleeping Position For Hip Pain

  1. Use one memory foam pillow or no pillows under your head.
  2. Lie on your side.
  3. Place a pillow between your knees.

Why is groin pain worse at night?

Groin pain that is worse at night may be caused by osteoarthritis or tendonitis of the hip joints. If you are noticing it more when you are laying down to sleep, you may have an uncomfortable mattress or you may be sleeping in an unusual position.

Is heat or ice better for a groin strain?

Put ice or a cold pack on your groin area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, apply heat.

How long does a Grade 1 groin strain take to heal?

Grade 1 strains will take 1 to 2 weeks of rest before a person can return to exercise. Normal movement, such as walking, should be possible within a few days. Grade 2 strains may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal fully. Grade 3 strains happen when most or all of the muscle is torn.

What is sportsman hernia?

Sports hernias are typically caused by repetitive or explosive motions, especially those that require twisting of the pelvis such as football, hockey, soccer, rugby, skiing, running and hurdling. The soft tissues that perform these movements found in the lower abdomen and pubic area are most frequently torn or injured.

What does a groin hernia feel like in a woman?

A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain. A burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting. A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin.

Can a groin strain affect your stomach?

Abdominal pain.

Pain in the lower abdomen may be indicative of a groin injury. Some groin injuries that may cause either direct or referred abdominal pain include osteitis pubis and inguinal hernia. Coughing, sneezing, or straining during a bowel movement may worsen abdominal pain.