Groin strains can refer to a number of types of injuries in one or more of a multitude of muscles on the inside of your upper leg or front of your hip. Sports Injury Bulletin explains that many of these muscles are responsible for hip adduction--moving your leg toward your body's center line 1. Your groin muscles also help stabilize your hips during athletic movement. Each groin strain is different and you should consult a sports medicine specialist if your injury causes significant pain or does not improve with rest 12. For mild groin strains, follow a few basic treatment steps.

Stop exercising as soon as you notice discomfort to minimize the damage to your injured muscle.

Take an anti-inflammatory medicine to help reduce pain and swelling.

Ice the painful area with an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three times a day for three days.

Wrap a fabric bandage around the injured area to compress the area and reduce swelling.

Elevate your leg above your heart to help keep inflammation to a minimum.

Refrain from athletic-related activities for as long as the area is painful.

After three days of cold treatments, apply a hot pack for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this three times a day for three days.

Exercise easily once you no longer have pain in the injured area.