Why do my inner thighs hurt after running?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Inner thigh pain after running is most often caused by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which occurs when your adductor muscles aren't yet conditioned for the activity. DOMS typically appears 12–48 hours after exercise, feels like tenderness or stiffness, and usually resolves on its own within a few days with rest, gentle stretching, and hydration.

However, inner thigh pain isn't always just soreness. It can also signal a muscle strain, groin pull, hip issue, or even a hernia—each requiring different care. Because symptoms can overlap, the safest next step is to understand what's actually going on before it worsens. Take a free, instant, and confidential symptom check to get personalized insight into your pain and clear guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

After running, your inner thighs might hurt because of something called delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. This soreness can happen when your muscles do something they are not used to, like a new exercise or running longer than usual.

Why It Happens

Muscle Stress: When you run, your muscles work hard. If they are not used to this activity, they can get tiny tears, which can cause soreness.
Not Lactic Acid: Some people think lactic acid causes soreness, but research shows it is not the main reason for DOMS.

What You Can Do

Rest: Give your muscles time to heal.
Gentle Stretching: This can help your muscles feel better.
Hydration: Drinking water can help your muscles recover.

DOMS is common and should go away in a few days. If your pain does not improve or you're experiencing other symptoms, try our free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort. Remember, it is important to listen to your body and not push too hard too fast.

(References)

Cheung K, Hume P, & Maxwell L. (2003). Delayed onset muscle soreness : treatment strategies and .... Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 12617692.
Schwane JA, Watrous BG, Johnson SR, & Armstrong RB. (1983). Is Lactic Acid Related to Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness?. The Physician and sportsmedicine, 27409551.
Hsu CL, Yang CH, Wang JH, & Liang CC. (2020). An Investigation from 2013 to 2018 Taroko Gorge Marathons. International journal of environmental research and public health, 33153163.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.