Can hip pain cause groin pain?

Yes. Several hip joint conditions refer pain into the groin, especially during squatting, getting in and out of a car, or prolonged sitting.

When should I see a physiotherapist for hip or groin pain?

Consider assessment if pain lasts more than a few days, limits daily activity or sport, causes limping, or keeps returning despite rest.

Can exercise help hip and groin pain?

Exercise may help many people when matched to the cause of pain. A physiotherapist can guide strength, control, and load progression based on individual needs.

Article by John Miller & Erin Runge

What Causes Hip and Groin Pain?

Q: What causes hip and groin pain?

Hip and groin pain can result from hip joint irritation, muscle or tendon overload, or referred pain from the lower back. Common triggers include walking, running, twisting, and sudden changes in activity load.

Hip and groin pain can come from the hip joint itself, nearby muscles and tendons, or pain referred from the lower back. Many people notice symptoms during walking, running, squatting, or changing direction. Identifying the underlying cause is important, as management strategies vary depending on the structure involved. A hip pain physiotherapy assessment can help clarify what is driving your symptoms, especially when pain overlaps with groin pain.

Short answer

The most common hip and groin pain causes include joint irritation, muscle or tendon overload (such as a groin strain), and referred pain from the spine or pelvis. Pain location, activity triggers, and movement patterns often provide clues to the source.

Book Online Call Us

All private health funds · HICAPS on-the-spot · APA Physiotherapists · Remedial Massage · Exercise Physiology

Hip joint-related causes

hip and groin pain causes illustrated around the hip joint — Common Hip And Groin Pain Causes That May Benefit From Physiotherapy Assessment.

Problems within the hip joint often produce pain felt deep in the groin or at the front of the hip. Symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting, walking uphill, or twisting movements.

Hip osteoarthritis – joint cartilage changes that can lead to stiffness and aching pain.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – altered hip shape that can irritate the joint during movement.
Hip labral tear – cartilage injury around the socket that may cause catching or sharp pain.
Avascular necrosis – reduced blood supply affecting bone health.

Muscle and tendon-related causes

Soft tissue overload is common in sport and active lifestyles. Pain often increases with acceleration, kicking, or sudden changes in direction.

Adductor-related groin pain – inner-thigh tendon or muscle overload.
Iliopsoas-related groin pain – hip flexor irritation affecting lifting or sprinting.
Gluteal tendinopathy – outer hip pain linked to walking, stairs, or side-lying.
Muscle strain – sudden or gradual overload of muscle fibres.

Lateral hip pain causes

Pain on the outside of the hip often relates to tendon or bursal irritation rather than the hip joint itself.

Referred pain from the spine or pelvis

Not all hip and groin pain originates in the hip. Nerve or joint issues in the lower back can refer pain into the groin or front of the hip.

Systemic and bone-related contributors

Less commonly, broader health conditions may influence hip and groin pain.

How physiotherapy helps clarify the cause

A physiotherapist assesses movement, strength, joint mobility, and activity load. This helps distinguish between joint, muscle, tendon, or referred pain sources. Management may include exercise guidance, load modification, and education tailored to your goals.

What to do next

If hip or groin pain lasts more than a few days, limits walking or sport, or keeps returning, professional assessment is recommended. Early guidance can help reduce flare-ups and support a safe return to activity.