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Patient Questions  /  Groin pain when walking or running

Hip

Why Does My Groin Hurt When I Walk or Run?

It depends, and there are several common causes. Groin pain with walking or running often comes from a strained inner-thigh muscle or a problem in the hip joint itself, which usually hurts in the groin rather than the side of the hip. Less often it's a hernia, a stress fracture or pain coming from the back.

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Common causes

  • Adductor (inner thigh) strain. Common in sports with quick changes of direction or kicking. It often hurts when you squeeze your knees together.
  • Hip joint problems. Hip arthritis, hip impingement and labral tears often cause a deep ache or pinch in the groin, especially with walking, twisting or getting out of a car.
  • Hernia. A weak spot in the lower belly wall can cause groin pain, sometimes with a bulge.
  • Stress fracture of the hip, mostly in runners who have increased their training. This one needs a doctor quickly.
  • Referred pain from the lower back.

What you can do now

Ease off running and anything that makes the pain sharp, but keep moving in ways that feel comfortable. Pain that settles quickly with a little rest is often a muscle problem. Pain that hangs around for more than a couple of weeks, or that you feel deep in the hip, is worth getting checked so you know what you're dealing with.

Once the sharp pain eases, gentle hip and inner-thigh strengthening often helps. Avoid forcing deep stretches into a sore groin early on.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Groin pain that keeps getting worse, or you can't put weight on the leg, especially if you run a lot
  • A bulge in the groin that is painful, firm or won't go back in, especially with nausea or vomiting: get emergency care
  • Sudden, severe pain in the testicle: get emergency care
  • Fever or feeling unwell along with hip or groin pain
  • Groin pain after a fall

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist checks your hip, muscles and back to find the likely source, refers you to a doctor if something needs medical attention, and builds a plan to strengthen the area and return you to walking and running.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Hip pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

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This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026