A pulled muscle that occurs suddenly during vigorous activity in a fall, twisting injury, or during a fast run. A groin strain causes pain in the area just below the crease between the lower abdomen and the thigh. What distinguishes a groin strain, or groin pull, is that the pain comes on suddenly. Pain in the groin area that develops gradually over several weeks, without a preceding single event, may be a symptom of a stress fracture in the hip and requires immediate attention from a physician, preferably one with expertise in sports medicine.
Groin strain can occur when a muscle is overstretched, commonly experienced during activities like running or playing sports. This condition leads to pain and tenderness in the groin area. The muscles usually affected are the adductors, located on the inner side of the thigh, and the rectus femoris, found at the front of the thigh. While physiotherapy is the typical treatment for groin strain, recovery may take some time.