A groin strain is an injury that happens when you tear or overstretch (pull) a groin muscle. The groin muscles are in the area on either side of the body in the folds where the belly joins the legs. You can strain a groin muscle during exercise, such as running, skating, kicking in soccer, or playing basketball. It can happen when you lift, push, or pull heavy objects. You might pull a groin muscle when you fall. The injury can range from a minor pull to a more serious tear of the muscle.
You may feel pain and tenderness that’s worse when you squeeze your legs together. You may also have pain when you raise the knee of the injured side. There may be swelling or bruising in the groin area or inner thigh. If you have a bad strain, you may walk with a limp while it heals.
Rest and other home care can help the muscle heal. Healing can take up to 3 weeks or more.