Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a groin strain, also called a "pulled groin." This is when 1 of the muscles in the inner thigh gets stretched too much or too quickly, or works too hard. This sometimes makes the muscle tear.
A groin strain can happen during exercise or from an accident. You might have pain, tightness, swelling, or bruising.
Your groin strain will likely get better on its own within a few weeks. But it depends on how bad your strain is, as well as your age and overall health.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, if needed. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Rest your groin muscles, and avoid movements or activities that cause pain.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the painful area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after your injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 2 days.
●For the first few days after your injury, try to raise the muscle above the level of your heart (if possible). For example, if you lie down, put a pillow under your groin or thigh.
●Wrap your upper thigh with an elastic bandage or other type of wrap, if the doctor suggested this. This can help support your muscles.
●Once the pain and swelling improve and your doctor says it's OK, you can slowly start to stretch your groin muscles. You might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert).
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You get sudden severe pain or swelling in your scrotum (for males)
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your leg or groin area gets numb, weak, or tingly.
●Your pain gets worse, even after taking pain medicines.
●You cannot walk because of pain.
●You have belly pain, nausea, or vomiting.
●You have a lump or mass in your belly or groin.
●You have discharge from your penis (in males) or vagina (in females).
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
