Groin pain during running: where does it come from?

What are groin complaints?

The groin connects the pelvis and the thigh. In this area, various muscles, tendons, and joints work together to keep the body stable during running. The adductors, the muscles on the inside of the thigh, play a particularly important role in this.

When these muscles or tendons become overloaded, pain and stiffness can occur. The complaints are often felt on the inside of the thigh or deep in the groin area and can range from a dull ache to sharp pain during movement.

What causes groin complaints in runners?

In many cases, groin complaints arise from overuse. When training volume or intensity is increased too quickly, muscles and tendons do not have enough time to adapt to the load. This can lead to small irritations that eventually result in pain.

Fatigue also often plays a role. As muscles become more tired, their ability to stabilize the body properly decreases. This can place extra strain on other structures around the hips and groin. Additionally, we regularly see that reduced stability of the hips, core, or pelvis contributes to the development of groin complaints. This creates more tension on the muscles around the groin during running.

Compression during running

Many runners choose to wear compression clothing during training and competitions. Compression supports the muscles during exertion and helps reduce muscle vibrations. This can contribute to a comfortable feeling while running.

The Herzog PRO Compression Shorts offer support around the hamstrings, upper legs, glutes and groin area. This supports the muscles during both exertion and recovery, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes who are prone to discomfort in these areas.

Conclusion

Groin pain in runners often arises from a combination of overuse, fatigue, and insufficient stability around the hips and core. By addressing the cause of the pain in a timely manner and building up training intensity wisely, many problems can be prevented. Sufficient rest, targeted strength training, and good support help you to run comfortably and injury-free again.