Is it ok to exercise with a minor groin strain

I managed to 'pull' something on the groin/inner thigh area whilst sitting on the stairs putting on my running shoes (!?)  I went out and ran it felt a bit niggly but nothing painful.  Next day I came down with the flu so was out of action for 2 and a half weeks.  As i had been laid up I forgot all about it as I couldn't feel it during normal day to day activities.  Feeling better I went out for a gentle recovery run on Saturday and immediately the 'pull' came back and felt a lot worse than before.  I have rested it for 3 days, usuing ice packs and ibruprofen etc...

Today I only notice it when i'm walking.  I'm desperate to get back to my normal exrecise regime but don't want to risk further injury..... I don't think it's a good idea to run yet but can I use the exercise bikes in the gym instead???

I'm so fed up 

Yes but know that if you have an injury, you risk it taking longer to recover. You do need a boosted circulation to aid your body to repair injuries but if you do any sort of exercise which can create damage (such as high impact exercise like running or jumping...etc). These sorts of exercises cause micro-tears and these microtears on top of already-there-injuries is only going to mean your body will take longer to recover from the initial injury.

When you're finished exercising, make sure you stretch- but not too far, use a foam roller to boost circulation and ice it afterwards. If you can, take a few rest days more then normal, walk by all means but just keep tabs on the running if you want it repaired sooner rather then later.

Thanks Jennn.  Since my last post I've been to see a physio and rested completely for a full 8 days, only movement has been walking (can't avoid it for my job) and doing gentle hip flexor stratches as advised by physio.  Don't notice any discomfort at all now when walking and climbing stairs etc.. So tested out a bike at the gym for 15 mins which was ok at a gentle pace with low resistance (but sooooo dull!)  Next day tested by a gentle jog for 5 mins then felt the pull again  so stopped and walked home.  Plan is to rest it for the next 4 days then test a gentle jog again...

Has anyone else ever had this? According to physio it's a combo of issues with TFL, Solis and hip flexors.... Any ideas how long I can realistically expect to be out of running?

I had a strain a bit like this once but not quite the same as I don't remember it affecting my running. However, I couldn't sit in a straddle position comfortably (have never been that flexible in the hips in any case), do side stretches with legs apart, etc. It was very minor compared to yours, I think, but lasted weeks and weeks. In the end I sorted it with sports massage. I thought he was trying to rip my leg off, and it hurt like hell at the time and a bit for a week or so afterwards, but once I'd recovered from the massage it went away and has been fine ever since. Might be worth a try?