Physiotherapist update: November 2019 Rina van der Merwe, Physiotherapist GROIN STRAIN Definition: Groin pain may be due to a number of problems. The most common in runners is muscle injuries, but it may also be due to stress fractures, hernia or hip problems. The groin is complex in the sense that the pubic symphysis area is a bony attachment point for a number of muscles which work together during walking and running. Groin injuries fall into 3 main areas: Adductor injuries (inside of the thigh muscles) Iliopsoas injuries (hip flexor muscles) Rectus abdominus injuries (stomach muscles) combined with Adductor injuries Symptoms: Pain and tenderness in the groin and/or inside of the thigh Pain when bringing your legs together Pain when raising your knee Causes: Overtraining Tight muscles Over-pronation of the foot (which will lead to increased contraction of the adductor muscle to compensate).
