Hip and Groin Pain? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
Groin pain is the hip joint's signature location — when hip and groin pain go together, the cause is usually inside the joint, like osteoarthritis, impingement, or a labral issue, or sometimes a hip flexor or adductor (inner-thigh) strain. It's typically not an emergency, and physical therapy that strengthens and controls the hip helps most people. Inability to bear weight after a fall, or groin pain with fever, needs urgent care.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. Hip osteoarthritis, impingement, and labral tears commonly cause groin pain. A hip flexor or adductor strain causes more muscular groin pain. Less common causes. A hernia, or pain referred from the back or pelvis, can also cause groin pain and may need separate evaluation.
What you can try at home
Note what triggers it (deep bending, pivoting, sprinting) and temporarily modify those activities while keeping the hip gently active. Gentle hip and core strengthening builds tolerance. Persistent or unexplained groin pain deserves an assessment.
When to see a physical therapist
If hip and groin pain persists or limits activity, a PT can determine whether it's the joint or a muscle and treat it.
Red flags — don't wait
Seek urgent care if you can't bear weight after a fall, the joint is hot and feverish, or groin pain comes with a bulge, fever, or testicular pain (needs medical evaluation).
How a PT treats this
Treatment strengthens the hip and core, improves movement control, and addresses the specific joint or muscle source.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (3)
- Cibulka MT, et al. Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits - Hip Osteoarthritis: Revision 2017. Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017. — PubMed
- Weir A, et al. Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2015. — PubMed
- MedlinePlus: Hip pain. — NIH/MedlinePlus
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.