A groin pull or strain is an injury that happens when you tear or overstretch a groin muscle. Symptoms of a groin strain include pain and tenderness thats worse when you squeeze your legs together, pain when you raise the knee of the injured side, and swelling or bruising in the groin area or inner thigh. Here are some steps you can take to treat a groin pull:

• Rest: Rest and protect your injured or sore groin area for 1 to 2 weeks. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.

• Ice: Put ice or a cold pack on your groin area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days or until the swelling goes down.

• Compression: Use an elastic wrap to help support the groin and keep the swelling down.

• Elevation: Raise the groin by lying down and putting pillows under the hips to lift the hips and thighs.

• Pain relief: Take medicine for pain such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Most groin pulls will heal on their own with time and rest. However, if the pain persists or is severe, you should see a doctor. They may recommend physical therapy or surgery as a last resort. To prevent groin pulls, you should do regular strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles, especially if youve had a groin pull before, and warm up properly before exercising.