What muscles could cause groin pain?

Muscles that may contribute to groin pain include adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, pectineus, iliacus, psoas major, gracilis. Trigger points, strains, or weakness in these muscles can refer pain to this area.

Hip

Groin

Q: What causes pain in the groin?

Common causes of groin pain include adductor strain from sports involving sudden direction changes, iliopsoas bursitis or tendinitis, sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, hip labral tear causing deep groin pain, inguinal hernia. The specific cause depends on the nature of the pain, how it started, and which movements aggravate it.

Groin pain involves the adductor muscles, the iliopsoas, and the inguinal region. It is extremely common in athletes who perform kicking, cutting, and sprinting movements, and can be challenging to diagnose due to multiple overlapping structures.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any pain or medical condition.

Common Causes

Adductor strain from sports involving sudden direction changes

Iliopsoas bursitis or tendinitis

Sports hernia or athletic pubalgia

Hip labral tear causing deep groin pain

Inguinal hernia

Muscles in This Area

Hip

adductor longus

Prominent inner thigh muscle adducts and flexes the hip, powering lateral lunges and cutting moves. Prone to strains but key for athletic power. Gym staple for groin strength.

Adductor longus tendinopathyGroin strainPubic symphysitis

Hip

adductor brevis

Short inner thigh muscle adducts the thigh and assists rotation, key for lateral stability in squats and sprints. Middle adductor, it prevents groin pulls in dynamic sports. Essential for balanced leg power.

Adductor strainOsteitis pubisSportsman's hernia

Hip

adductor magnus

Largest inner thigh muscle, with adductor and hamstring-like parts, adducts and extends hip powerfully. Mimics hamstring in deadlifts. Crucial for posterior chain balance.

Adductor magnus strainIschial bursitisHamstring-adductor syndrome

Hip

pectineus

The pectineus is a flat muscle on the inner upper thigh that flexes and adducts the hip, helping drive knees up in running or squats. It's crucial for lower body power in athletes. Tightness contributes to groin strain prevention.

Pectineus strainGroin pull (adductor strain)

Hip

iliacus

The iliacus is the fan-shaped hip flexor filling your pelvis bowl, partnering with psoas to lift the thigh. Crucial for running, kicking, and rising from sits. Tight iliacus contributes to anterior pelvic tilt and lower back strain in fitness enthusiasts.

Iliopsoas tendinopathySnapping hip syndromeIliacus hematoma

Abdomen

psoas major

The psoas major is a deep hip flexor from spine to thigh, lifting knees in running/squats. Core to posture and power; tightness causes low back pain.

Psoas syndromeIliopsoas tendinopathy

Thigh

gracilis

Long, thin medial thigh muscle adducting and flexing knee. Aids cutting movements in soccer, stabilizing in squats.

Gracilis strainPes anserine bursitis

Stretches That May Help

Sumo squat stretch

Wide-legged forward fold

Adductor rock-back

Side lunge stretch

Butterfly stretch

Copenhagen adductor stretch

Deep frog pose

Adductor magnus wall stretch

Pigeon with adduction

Lunge hip flexor stretch

Thomas stretch

Cougar stretch

Psoas release pose

Warrior lunge

Side lunge

Recommended Exercises

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you notice a visible bulge in the groin area, have groin pain with a fever, experience pain with coughing or straining, or have groin pain that persists beyond two weeks.