Why does my groin hurt during exercise?
Michael Henderson
Published Feb 21, 2026
Why does my groin hurt during exercise?
Overuse of the adductor muscles can also cause groin strain, along with resistance training, a fall, or lifting heavy items. Not warming up properly or pushing yourself too hard can also lead to groin strain, especially if you’re starting a new fitness program.
Can a groin strain affect the knee?
Groin strain A groin strain is a common sports injury. It isn’t usually serious, but a severe strain can take a long time to heal. Pain is the most common symptom and usually appears in the inner thigh, but the pain can also be felt anywhere between the hip and knee.
Should I exercise with groin pain?
Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in your groin or the inside of your thigh. Do regular strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles, especially if you’ve had a groin pull before.
Is it OK to walk with a groin strain?
There may be swelling or bruising in the groin area or inner thigh. If you have a bad strain, you may walk with a limp while it heals. Rest and other home care can help the muscle heal. Healing can take up to 3 weeks or more.
Should you stretch a strained groin?
Stretch gently and avoid any pain. If you have pain while doing these exercises, you should not do them. Standing groin stretch: Bend down and slide your injured leg out to your side.
How long does it take for a groin strain to heal?
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.
Do groin injuries ever heal?
A groin strain — also known as a groin pull — is when one of the muscles of the inner thigh gets stretched, injured, or torn. A groin strain may be mild or severe. With rest and proper treatment, most groin strains heal completely and don’t cause lasting problems.