Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:

  • Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thigh
  • Pain when you bring your legs together
  • Pain when you raise your knee
  • A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain

Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity:

  • 1st degree: Mild pain, but little loss of strength or movement
  • 2nd degree: Moderate pain, mild to moderate strength loss and some tissue damage
  • 3rd degree: Severe pain, severe loss of strength and function due to a complete tear of the muscle

To diagnose a groin pull, your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. Tests like X-rays and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be needed to rule out other problems.