Sports Hernia

A sports hernia is a term used for ongoing groin pain in people who play sports or do other types of physical activity. It usually isn't a true hernia. This type of injury can happen from repeated stress on the muscles, tendons, and other tissues in the groin. Sports that involve quick changes in direction, twisting, kicking, or sprinting may increase the risk.

The main symptom is groin pain that may spread to the lower belly, pubic area, or inner thigh. The pain can last for weeks or months. The injury may affect several tissues in the groin, including the muscles and tendons of the lower belly and inner thigh.

A sports hernia can be hard to diagnose. Often, a person has had groin pain for months. A doctor may find tenderness in the groin but no bulge. To help diagnose the condition, the doctor may ask the person to do certain movements, such as sit-ups, to see if they cause pain. The doctor may also check for other causes of groin pain, such as a true hernia or a pulled groin muscle.

Treatment usually starts with rest or avoiding activities that cause pain. Physical therapy can help strengthen and retrain the muscles around the groin and hip. Some people get better without surgery, but recovery may take several months. If pain continues after nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be an option, especially for athletes who want to return to their usual level of activity.