What happens if you leave a sports hernia untreated?

Over time, a sports hernia may lead to an inguinal hernia, and abdominal organs may press against the weakened soft tissues to form a visible bulge. Without treatment, this injury can result in chronic, disabling pain that prevents you from resuming sports activities.

Does a sports hernia always require surgery?

A sports hernia is often painful and requires rest and treatment to heal. In some people, a sports hernia can become a chronic issue that requires surgery.

How long can you delay hernia surgery?

Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don’t have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don’t bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.

Can you push a hernia back in?

Most inguinal hernias can be pushed back into the belly with gentle massage and pressure. An inguinal hernia will not heal on its own. If you have symptoms, or the hernia is growing, you may need surgery.

Is it OK to walk with a sports hernia?

Both a pulled groin and a sports hernia have similar symptoms. They both result in pain in the inner thighs up towards the groin. Both injuries result in pain that prevents you from moving normally while playing your sport. The pain can be so bad that it makes it difficult to walk up steps or walk at all.

Can you ignore a sports hernia?

Traditional hernias often have a visible bulge where soft tissue protrudes through the muscle wall, but sports hernias do not. Without proper care, a sports hernia may not heal on its own. If you suspect you have an injury, seek a diagnosis and treatment from a professional.

Can I still run with a sports hernia?

As long as the bulge is not painful or inflamed, there is very little risk for you to continue running. However, if the hernia strangulates, so blood flow to the bowel tissue is compromised, then the hernia becomes an emergency.

How long can a sports hernia last?

With post-surgery physical therapy and rehabilitation, people with a sports hernia can usually fully return to their sport or activities between six and 12 weeks. In some cases, the affected tissue can tear again once you return to sports activity. If this happens, surgical repair will most likely need to be repeated.

Is it possible to heal sports hernia without surgery?

Can you heal a hernia without surgery? A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.

How long is recovery time after hernia repair surgery?

Recovery from hernia mesh surgery can take four to six weeks. Tips to improve recovery from hernia surgery include resting, exercising, eating healthy and following the doctor’s orders. Patients should wait 24 hours after the procedure before showering. Between one and four days after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions.

How to diagnose sports hernia?

Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) is the most common test used to identify sports hernia.

Can you play sports with a hernia?

Generally, patients who have only minor discomfort from their hernias, are at low risk of complications from their inguinal hernia. Patients with minimal symptoms from an inguinal hernia can participate in sports such as hockey, as long as they are not in pain.