Sports hernia repair surgery

Playing football is the most common cause of this injury.

However, it is seen in athletes who participate in everything from running to ice-hockey.

It is much more common in men compared to women.

No two individuals will have identical symptoms. However, those with the condition typically complain of some or all of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the groin that is brought on by running, sprinting, twisting and turning
• Pain may not come on until 10-20 minutes of activity
• Exercise may be followed by stiffness and soreness, which may persist into the following day
• Following exercise, getting out of bed or a car may cause pain and discomfort
• Some may notice that coughing and sneezing also causes discomfort and pain in the groin
• Symptoms may start suddenly. However, most athletes feel that the discomfort comes on gradually

Tenderness is frequently elicited by gently pushing the little finger up through the scrotum in to the superficial inguinal ring, which is tender and wider than normal.

Adductor weakness is also present in 40% of cases. On occasion this may also require surgical treatment.  

X-rays or scans of the pelvis are also usually performed in order to exclude hip problems or inflammation of the pubic bone.

• Continued vigorous exercise usually makes the condition worse. The initial treatment is specialist physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles in the groin and pelvis.
• If a specialized program of rehabilitation does not help, surgery may have to be considered to strengthen the groin. Before surgery, it is likely that specialized investigations are performed in order to exclude other causes of groin pain.
• Successful surgery is dependent upon accurate diagnosis, meticulous repair and adherence to a strict post-operative rehabilitation program. This prohibits sudden twisting and turning movements and promotes a gradual progression of pelvic muscle stability, flexibility and strength.
• Surgery has a high success rate and most athletes can return to their previous level of activity after a 4 to 6 week period of rehabilitation.

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Can a sports hernia heal itself?

While some minor sports hernias may get better with rest and physiotherapy, most don't heal fully on their own. At Circle Health Group, we recommend:

• Moderate treatments like rest and physiotherapy are often the first approach
• Further medical intervention may be needed if symptoms persist after 6-8 weeks
• Complete healing often requires a combination of proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation

If you suspect that you have a sports hernia, we recommend contacting one of our specialists, as early intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse and potentially avoid the need for surgery – especially when it is clear the problem won’t go away on its own.

How long does a sports hernia take to heal?

The recovery time for a sports hernia will depend on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. At Circle Health Group, we typically find that:

• Conservative treatment: 6-8 weeks of rest and physiotherapy sessions
• With surgical intervention: 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation after surgery
• Full return to sports: Usually 6-12 weeks after surgery, depending on the individual and the sport

However, every patient's recovery is unique. Our specialists will tailor a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan aiming at the best possible outcome for you.

Can you feel a sports hernia?

Yes, you can usually feel a sports hernia, although it may not feel like a traditional hernia. Patients often describe:

• A deep ache in the groin area, especially during or after physical activity
• Pain that radiates to the inner thigh or lower abdomen
• Discomfort when coughing, sneezing, or performing certain movements

Unlike a traditional hernia, a sports hernia doesn't usually create a visible bulge. If you have persistent groin pain, we recommend seeing one of our specialists for a proper diagnosis.

What does a sports hernia feel like?

The sensation of a sports hernia is often described as:

• A sharp pain in the groin area that occurs during activity
• A dull ache that persists after exercise
• Discomfort when getting out of bed or a car following exercise
• Pain or discomfort when coughing or sneezing
• Stiffness or soreness that may last into the next day after exercise

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, particularly if you're an athlete or regularly engage in sports, we advise booking an appointment with one of our specialists for a thorough examination.

What can be mistaken for a sports hernia?

A number of conditions can mimic the symptoms of a sports hernia, which is why an accurate diagnosis is paramount. At Circle Health Group, we check for various possibilities, including:

• Inguinal hernia
• Hip labral tear
• Osteitis pubis (inflammation of the pubic bone)
• Iliopsoas tendinitis
• Stress fractures in the pelvis

Our specialists use a rigorous combination of physical examination and imaging methods to differentiate between these conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis. If you're having groin pain, it's important to seek professional medical advice for accurate assessment and treatment.

Does a sports hernia have a lump?

Unlike traditional hernias, sports hernias do not typically present with a visible lump or bulge. At Circle Health Group, we explain to our patients that:

• A sports hernia is a tear or strain in the soft tissue of the lower abdomen or groin
• There's usually no protrusion of abdominal organs
• The absence of a lump doesn't rule out a sports hernia

However, if left untreated, a sports hernia can potentially weaken the abdominal wall, and with time, lead to a traditional inguinal hernia which may present with a visible bulge. If you're experiencing groin pain, even without a visible lump, we advise seeking swift professional evaluation.

Can a sports hernia cause testicular pain?

Yes, a sports hernia can potentially cause testicular pain. We often see patients who experience:

• Pain that radiates from the groin area to the testicles
• Discomfort in the scrotum, especially during or after physical activity
• Tenderness when the inguinal canal is examined

It's very important to know that testicular pain can also be a symptom of other conditions. If you're experiencing persistent testicular pain, we strongly advise booking a consultation with one of our specialists for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis of any testicular pain.

Are sports hernias hard to diagnose?

Sports hernias can indeed be challenging to diagnose. However, at Circle Health Group, our specialists understand this complexity and approach every diagnosis meticulously through:

• Detailed patient history and physical examination
• Assessment of symptoms and their relation to physical activity
• Specialised physical tests like the squeeze test
• Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound when necessary

Our consultants are skilled in telling sports hernias apart from other causes of groin pain. We always ensure a thorough diagnostic method right for you to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment plan.

What happens if a sports hernia goes untreated?

Leaving a sports hernia untreated can result in several complications. We advise our patients that untreated sports hernias can lead to:

• Chronic pain interfering with daily activities and athletic performance
• Weakening of the abdominal wall, which could cause a traditional inguinal hernia
• Increased risk of other groin injuries due to compensatory movements
• Prolonged recovery time when treatment is eventually sought

We always recommend early evaluation and treatment to prevent these complications and ensure a quicker return to your normal activities and sports.

Do sports hernias require surgery?

Not all sports hernias require surgery. At Circle Health Group, our approach is:

• First-line treatment often involves rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications
• If conservative treatments don't provide relief after 6-8 weeks, surgery may be considered
• The decision for surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like symptom severity and activity level

Our specialists will discuss all treatment options with you, ensuring you understand the benefits and potential risks of each approach. If surgery is advised, we offer minimally invasive techniques to help a faster recovery.

Can you play sports after hernia surgery?

Yes, most patients can return to sports after hernia surgery. We guide our patients carefully through a rehabilitation process:

• Light activities can normally resume within 1-2 weeks after surgery
• A gradual return to sports typically occurs 4-6 weeks after post-operation
• Full return to high-intensity sports can take 6-12 weeks, based on the individual and the sport

Our team designs personalised rehabilitation plans to ensure a safe and effective return to your sporting activities. We emphasise the importance of following these plans to prevent re-injury and help optimal recovery.

Can you play sports with an inguinal hernia?

While it may be possible to play sports with a small, asymptomatic inguinal hernia, we generally advise caution:

• Playing sports can potentially aggravate the hernia
• There's a risk of hernia incarceration or strangulation during intense activity
• Any pain or discomfort during sports should always be taken seriously

We recommend having any suspected hernia assessed by our specialists before continuing with sports. If surgery is required, it can often be performed through a minimally invasive approach, allowing for a quicker return to sports.

What is the difference between a sports hernia and a regular hernia?

Here are the key differences between sports hernias and regular hernias:

Sports hernia:

• A tear or strain in the soft tissue of the lower abdomen or groin
• Typically doesn't create a visible bulge
• Usually causes pain during physical activity
• Often seen in athletes due to repetitive or sudden twisting movements

Regular (inguinal) hernia:

• A protrusion of abdominal contents through a weak spot in the abdominal wall
• Often presents with a visible bulge
• May or may not cause pain
• Can occur in anyone, not just athletes

Knowing these differences can help us in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. If you feel groin pain or notice a bulge, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in September 2024. Next review due September 2027

• Sports hernia, Cleveland Clinic 
• Sports hernia, Ortho Info
• Sports hernia, Hopkins Medicine 
• What is a sports hernia, Web MD 
• Inguinal hernia, Hopkins Medicine 
• Inguinal hernia repair, NHS 
• Sports hernia, Mayo Clinic