Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about groin pain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Table of Contents
- Common Causes of Groin Pain After Running
- Symptoms to Watch For
- Immediate Steps to Take
- Diagnosis and Professional Assessment
- Treatment Options for Groin Pain
- Prolotherapy for Groin Pain
- Preventing Groin Pain in Runners
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
- References
Common Causes of Groin Pain After Running
Groin pain in runners is often due to:
- Hip flexor strain: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles that lift the knee and bend the waist, often from sprinting, sudden stops, or insufficient warm-up.
- Adductor muscle strain: Injury to the inner thigh muscles from repetitive stress or poor running technique. Learn more about groin strain symptoms and causes.
- Osteitis Pubis: Inflammation of the pubic symphysis joint from repetitive stress, causing pain in the lower abdomen and groin.
- Hip joint impingement, ligament/tendon tears, and rare conditions like Sportsman’s hernia or Gilmore’s Groin.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sharp or sudden pain in the groin or upper thigh
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Persistent pain during activity
- Reduced mobility or difficulty moving the leg
Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for effective management and prevention of more serious injuries.
Immediate Steps to Take When Experiencing Groin Pain
- Rest and Ice: Rest the affected leg, elevate it, and apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Pain Relief: Use NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) as needed, but consult a healthcare professional for ongoing pain.
- Avoid Aggravating Activities: Continue with low-impact activities like gentle cycling or swimming, and gradually return to running as symptoms improve.
Diagnosis and Professional Assessment
Accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment. This may include:
- Physical examination and assessment by a physiotherapist (such as FABER and FADIR tests) to identify the source of pain and assess muscle strength, flexibility, and pelvic stability.
- Imaging techniques like MRI and ultrasound to pinpoint the exact cause of groin pain, especially if a tear or deeper injury is suspected.
Early and accurate diagnosis helps guide a tailored treatment plan and speeds up recovery.
Treatment Options for Groin Pain
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Relative Rest: Engage in low-impact activities (e.g., swimming, cycling) that do not aggravate the injury.
- Physical Therapy: A rehabilitation program focused on strengthening the core, glutes, and adductors, as well as improving flexibility and running form.
- Strengthening Exercises: Gradually increase intensity and weight as strength returns, focusing on core stability and hip control.
- Surgical Intervention: For persistent or severe injuries (e.g., hernia, tendon tears), surgery may be required.
Prolotherapy for Groin Pain
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat groin pain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are needed to repair the joints and help groin pain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of groin pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Preventing Groin Pain in Runners
- Proper Warm-Up and Stretching: Use dynamic stretches before running to prepare muscles and reduce injury risk.
- Gradual Training Increases: Avoid sudden spikes in mileage or intensity; follow the 10% rule for weekly increases.
- Correct Running Technique: Maintain upright posture and a quick, light step pattern to reduce groin strain.
- Strength and Flexibility: Incorporate core, hip, and adductor strengthening and flexibility exercises into your routine.
Summary
Groin pain after running is common but manageable. Early recognition of symptoms, immediate rest and ice, and a structured rehabilitation plan are key to recovery. Preventive strategies—like proper warm-up, gradual training increases, and good running form—can help keep you pain-free and running strong. For persistent or severe cases, advanced treatments like Prolotherapy may offer lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of groin pain after running?
Hip flexor and adductor muscle strains, hip joint impingement, and conditions like Osteitis Pubis are the most common causes.
What symptoms should I watch for if I suspect a groin injury?
Look for sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and persistent pain during activity. Early intervention is crucial for recovery.
What immediate steps should I take if I experience groin pain?
Rest, apply ice, use over-the-counter pain relief, and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
How can a physical therapist help with groin pain?
They can diagnose the issue, create a personalized rehab plan, and guide you through safe exercises for recovery.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid groin pain while running?
Warm up properly, increase training gradually, maintain good running form, and strengthen your core and hips.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let groin pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating groin pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with groin pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile
References
- Smith M W. Why Does My Groin Hurt? WebMD. Sept, 2020. https://www.webmd.com
- Asomugha E U. Causes of Groin Pain and Treatment Options. Verywell Health. Nov, 2021. https://www.verywellhealth.com/
- Morrison W. What Causes Groin Pain and How to Treat It. Healthline. April, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/
- Bell A M. What can cause groin pain? Medical News Today. Jul, 2020. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.