Groin pain that occurs when you move your hip can make everyday activities such as walking, getting into a car, climbing stairs or putting on shoes uncomfortable.

Because the hip joint sits close to the groin, problems affecting the hip can often be felt as pain in the groin rather than directly over the side or back of the hip.

There are several possible causes of groin pain with hip movement. Understanding the symptoms and when to seek an assessment can help you determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.

Why Can Hip Problems Cause Groin Pain?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows the leg to move in multiple directions. When the joint, surrounding muscles, tendons or other structures become irritated or damaged, movement may trigger pain.

Groin pain can be particularly noticeable when the hip is bent, rotated or placed under load.

The location and nature of your pain can provide clues, but a proper assessment is needed to determine the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Groin Pain When Moving the Hip

  1. Hip Arthritis

Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage within the joint gradually wears down. It can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

Hip arthritis commonly causes pain in the groin and may become more noticeable when:

  • Walking for longer periods
  • Standing up from a chair
  • Climbing stairs
  • Getting in or out of a car
  • Bending the hip
  • Rotating the leg

Stiffness may also make activities that require hip flexibility increasingly difficult.

  1. Hip Flexor or Muscle Strain

The muscles around the hip and groin can become strained through sport, exercise, sudden movements or overuse.

A muscle strain may cause:

  • Pain during certain movements
  • Tenderness around the groin
  • Pain when lifting the leg
  • Discomfort after exercise
  • Reduced strength or movement

Minor strains may improve with appropriate rest and gradual return to activity, while persistent or significant pain may require assessment.

  1. Tendon Problems

Tendons around the hip can become irritated through repetitive loading or changes in activity.

For example, irritation involving the hip flexor tendons may cause pain at the front of the hip or in the groin, particularly when lifting the leg or repeatedly bending the hip.

  1. Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement occurs when the shape of the hip joint causes the bones to come into contact during certain movements.

It can cause groin pain, stiffness and discomfort with activities involving repeated hip flexion or rotation.

Some people may notice symptoms during:

  • Squatting
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Sitting for prolonged periods
  • Pivoting or changing direction
  1. Labral Problems

The hip joint contains a ring of cartilage called the labrum, which helps support the joint.

A labral injury or tear can sometimes cause deep groin pain, clicking, catching or a sensation that the hip is not moving normally.

Labral problems can occur following an injury or may develop alongside certain hip conditions.

  1. Other Causes

Not all groin pain comes directly from the hip joint.

Depending on your symptoms, other possible causes can include problems involving the abdominal wall, groin muscles, lower back or other nearby structures.

This is one reason why persistent groin pain should not automatically be assumed to be arthritis or a muscle strain.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consider arranging an assessment if your groin pain:

  • Persists despite reducing aggravating activities
  • Keeps returning
  • Is affecting walking or everyday activities
  • Is associated with increasing stiffness
  • Causes difficulty moving your hip
  • Started after an injury
  • Is interfering with sport or exercise
  • Is becoming progressively worse

Seek urgent medical attention if severe hip or groin pain occurs after a significant injury, particularly if you cannot put weight through the leg.

How Is the Cause Diagnosed?

A doctor or orthopaedic specialist will usually begin by asking about your symptoms, activities, previous injuries and how the pain affects your movement.

They may examine:

  • Hip movement
  • Muscle strength
  • Walking pattern
  • Areas of tenderness
  • Pain during specific movements

Depending on the suspected cause, imaging such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may be considered.

The appropriate investigation depends on your symptoms and examination findings.

How Is Groin Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Depending on the diagnosis, management may include:

  • Modifying activities that aggravate the pain
  • Physiotherapy and targeted exercises
  • Appropriate pain relief
  • Strength and mobility exercises
  • Management of underlying joint problems
  • Further treatment or surgery in selected cases

For conditions such as hip arthritis or structural hip problems, an orthopaedic assessment can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Can You Prevent Hip and Groin Pain?

Not every cause of groin pain can be prevented, but several habits may help support hip health.

These include:

  • Increasing exercise gradually
  • Warming up before strenuous activity
  • Maintaining strength around the hips and legs
  • Avoiding sudden increases in training load
  • Addressing persistent pain rather than repeatedly pushing through it
  • Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is groin pain always caused by the hip?

No. Groin pain can have several causes, including problems involving muscles, tendons, the lower back or abdominal and groin structures. An assessment can help identify the likely source.

  • Does hip arthritis cause groin pain?

Yes. Groin pain is a common symptom of hip osteoarthritis and may occur alongside stiffness and reduced hip movement.

  • Why does my groin hurt when I lift my leg?

Pain when lifting the leg may occur with hip flexor muscle or tendon problems, but other hip conditions can also cause this symptom. Persistent pain should be assessed.

  • Can a hip problem cause pain when walking?

Yes. Conditions affecting the hip joint can cause groin, hip or thigh pain during walking, particularly when the joint is under load.

  • When should I see an orthopaedic specialist?

If groin pain persists, repeatedly returns, affects your mobility or interferes with everyday activities, an assessment may help identify the cause and appropriate treatment options.

Conclusion

Groin pain when moving your hip can have many possible causes, ranging from muscle and tendon problems to conditions affecting the hip joint itself.

If your pain is persistent, worsening or affecting your normal activities, seeking an appropriate medical assessment can help determine the cause and guide treatment.

Dr Parminder J. Singh and the team at PJS Orthopaedics provide assessment and management of hip and knee conditions.