Why do I get twinges in my groin when running?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Usually the adductor or hip-flexor tendons complaining about load - the early stage of a groin strain, triggered by ramping too fast, hills, sprints, or weak adductors. The response is boring and works: back off intensity (sharp pain is a stop signal), warm up, strengthen adductors and hips (Copenhagen planks have the evidence), ramp gradually - most settle in days to weeks. The lookalikes: inguinal hernia (a bulge standing or straining, rest-pain - surgical opinion), hip joint problems (catching, clicking, shoe-and-sock trouble), sports hernia (deep sprinting pain rest does not fix), stress fracture (escalating pain, hurts hopping - stop and image).
What to do
- Respect the stop signal. Sharp pain mid-run ends the run.
- Strengthen the adductors. Copenhagen planks carry the evidence.
- Ramp back gradually. The load curve caused it; the load curve fixes it.
- Get bulges and rest-pain examined. Hernia and stress fracture skip the rest cure.
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