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What is a Sports Hernia?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sandip Borle , Orthopedics
A sports hernia is a painful, very soft tissue injury in the lower abdomen or groin area, often caused by sudden twisting or intense sports movements. It does not cause a visible bulge like a regular hernia, but leads to strong groin pain. Early diagnosis and proper treatment help prevent long-term complications and support a faster recovery.
A sports hernia often happens to people who play heavy sports that require sudden changes of direction or severe twisting movements.
What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Sports Hernia?
Symptoms, instead, athletes often feel persistent discomfort that gradually worsens. Knowing the key symptoms can help in identifying the condition early and avoiding long-term complications.
Immediate Symptoms of Sports Hernia
These symptoms typically appear gradually and worsen with physical activity:
- Chronic groin pain that intensifies during sports or workouts
- Pain while sprinting, kicking, or twisting the torso
- Stiffness or soreness after rest, especially in the mornings
- Pain that eases with rest but returns with exertion
- No visible bulge in the groin area despite significant discomfort
Sports Hernia Warning Signs
If left untreated, symptoms may worsen or spread, indicating the need for immediate care:
- Persistent pain even at rest or during daily activities
- Radiating pain into the hip, testicles, or lower back
- Loss of strength or flexibility in the groin or core muscles
- Difficulty in performing routine movements, like getting out of bed or sitting upright
What Are the Different Types of Sports Hernia?
While sports hernia is a general term, it can actually refer to different types of groin-related injuries that share similar symptoms. Understanding the types can help athletes and active individuals recognize where the pain is coming from and get the right treatment.
Below are the three main types of sports hernia, each with unique characteristics:
Inguinal-Related Groin Pain
- Common signs: Pain when coughing, sneezing, or straining; tenderness in the inguinal ligament area.
- Who it affects: This is the most common type of sports hernia, especially in athletes who play high-impact sports like football or hockey.
Adductor-Related Groin Pain
- Where it hurts: Along the inner thigh muscles (adductors), which pull the legs inward.
- Common signs: Sharp pain when squeezing the legs together or changing direction quickly.
- Athletes involved in soccer, sprinting, or martial arts are more prone to this type.
Public-Related Groin Pain
- Where it hurts: In the centre of the pelvis, around the pubic bone.
- Common signs: Deep, aching pain in the lower abdomen or groin, especially during core movements or sit-ups.
- Pain is typically linked to the rectus abdominis muscle, where it attaches to the pubic bone.
- Who it affects: Common in athletes with weakened core stability or overuse injuries.
What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia is not a true hernia but a soft tissue injury in the lower abdomen or groin. It is commonly seen in athletes due to repeated high-intensity movements.
Common Causes of Sports Hernia
These are the direct actions or conditions that may lead to a sports hernia:
- Sudden twisting or turning motions during sports like soccer or hockey
- Repetitive overuse of the groin and abdominal muscles, especially without enough rest
- Imbalanced muscle strength between the lower abdomen and inner thigh muscles
- Rapid direction changes or explosive movements such as sprinting, kicking, or tackling
- Poor warm-up routines or improper stretching before high-impact exercises
Knowing what causes it and who is more likely to get it can help in early prevention and smarter training choices.
Risk Factors That Increase the Likelihood
These don't directly cause a sports hernia, but make someone more prone to it:
Male athletes, especially in their 20s to 40s
Playing high-intensity sports like:
- Ice hockey
- Soccer
- Football
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Tennis
- Skiing
- Hurdling
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow Is Sports Hernia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a sports hernia, also called athletic pubalgia, can be tricky. That's because many different injuries and conditions can cause similar groin pain.
A thorough examination, backed by advanced diagnostic tools, is key to correctly identifying the condition and ruling out others.
Medical History and Symptom Review
- Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, sports activity, pain pattern, and any past injuries.
- They will also ask when the pain started and what types of movements worsen it.
Physical Examination
- The groin and lower abdomen are checked for tenderness, swelling, or weakness.
- You may be asked to perform movements like sit-ups, turns, or leg raises to see if pain increases.
Imaging Tests
To confirm a sports hernia and rule out other problems, imaging is often used:
- MRI Scan is Best for spotting soft tissue damage, muscle tears, or ligament injuries.
- Ultrasound can detect hernias and muscle strain during dynamic movement.
- X-Ray is sometimes> done to rule out bone-related conditions like fractures or joint issues.
Differential Diagnosis
It's important to rule out other causes of groin pain, such as:
- Hip labral tear
- Osteitis pubis
- Inguinal hernia
- Nerve compression
- Testicular conditions
- Referred pain from the hip, pelvis, or spine
What Are the Treatment Options for Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia can cause pain in the lower belly or groin. Treatment depends on how bad the injury is. Some people feel better with rest and exercise, while others may need surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments (First Step)
Rest and Avoid Painful Movements
- Stop doing sports or activities that cause pain.
- Let your body heal naturally.
- Rest for about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the pain.
Physical Therapy
- Gentle exercises help make your muscles stronger.
- Therapy focuses on:
- Core strength (belly and hip muscles)
- Stretching tight muscles
- Fixing body imbalance
- Most people need therapy for 4 to 8 weeks.
Medicines
- Painkillers like ibuprofen help reduce pain and swelling.
- Sometimes, injections are used if the pain is severe.
Surgery
When Do You Need Surgery?
- If pain doesn't go away after 6 to 12 weeks of rest and therapy.
- If you are an athlete or have high physical work.
Type of Surgery
- The doctor repairs the torn muscles in your groin.
- It can be done using laparoscopic surgery (small cuts, fast healing).
Recovery After Surgery
- Go home the same day or the next day.
- Rest for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Start exercises after that
- Go back to sports in 6 to 8 weeks.
What Our Experts Say
Most patients don't need surgery. Rest and therapy help the body heal well. We guide each patient step-by-step.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Sports Hernia?
- If you feel groin pain after playing sports or doing heavy physical activity, it's important to listen to your body. Sometimes, the pain may go away with rest, but not always. Here's when you should definitely visit a doctor:
Pain Doesn't Go Away with Rest
If your groin or lower abdominal pain continues even after resting for 3 to 7 days, it could be more than just a simple strain. Ignoring this can make the injury worse.
Pain While Walking, Bending, or Playing
If simple movements like:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Bending forward
- Turning your body
- Making the pain worse might be a sign of a deeper issue, such as a sports hernia. This is not normal muscle soreness and needs medical attention.
Pain Keeps Coming Back
If your groin pain improves for a while but returns again and again,especially after sports or physical activity, it may not heal on its own. Repeated pain episodes can indicate a chronic injury that needs a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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What is the Recovery Process After Sports Hernia Treatment?
After treating a sports hernia, recovery depends on the type of treatment you received. Whether it's physical therapy or surgery, knowing what to expect can help you heal better.
Follow-Up and Healing Timeline
- Conservative Treatment (rest + therapy): Most patients recover in 6 to 8 weeks.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks, but full return to sports might take 2 to 3 months.
- Regular follow-ups with your doctor or physiotherapist are important to track your progress.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle healing.
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking, which slows healing.
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting motions until your doctor gives the go-ahead.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Sports Hernia?
You can reduce your risk of sports hernia with smart lifestyle choices and regular body care.
Prevention Tips
- Strengthen your core and hip muscles through regular workouts.
- Don't ignore minor groin pain rest early to avoid serious damage.
- Visit a doctor if you have ongoing pain after activity early care matters.
- Consider regular check-ups if you're a professional athlete or play contact sports often.
Possible Complications if Left Untreated
- The injury may get worse and become chronic, requiring surgery.
- You may lose strength or mobility in the groin or abdomen.
- You could develop other groin or hip problems over time.
Our Experience in Treating Sports Hernia
At Medicover Hospitals, we care for athletes and active individuals with compassion and clinical excellence.
Our team uses advanced imaging, expert evaluation, and customised treatment plans to help you heal faster and return to the activities you love. Whether it's non-surgical care or advanced hernia surgery, we walk with you every step of the way from pain to full recovery.
