Groin Pain After Sports? It Might Be a Sports Hernia

Athletes often assume groin pain comes from overexertion or a pulled muscle. But for many, the real culprit is a sports hernia (also known as athletic pubalgia). Unlike traditional hernias, sports hernias don’t create a visible bulge, which makes them harder to diagnose. Left untreated, they can cause lingering pain and limit performance.

What Is a Sports Hernia?

A sports hernia is a tear or strain in soft tissue (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) in the lower abdomen or groin. Unlike an inguinal hernia, it doesn’t push tissue through the abdominal wall. Instead, it produces chronic groin pain that worsens with activity.

Athletes in sports like soccer, hockey, and football are at higher risk due to the intense twisting, sprinting, and sudden directional changes these activities require.

Symptoms of a Sports Hernia

Recognizing symptoms early is key:

• Chronic groin pain that worsens with sprinting, kicking, or sudden movements
• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or inner thigh
• Discomfort during twisting or turning
• Pain that persists despite rest, ice, or stretching
• Reduced athletic performance due to nagging pain

Unlike a groin strain, sports hernia pain usually returns once training resumes.

Causes and Risk Factors

Sports hernias are caused by repetitive stress on the groin area. Contributing factors include:

• Insufficient warm-up or stretching before activity
• Weak core muscles, leading to instability
• Poor conditioning or overtraining without rest
• Prior groin injuries that weaken the area

High-intensity sports with quick pivots and cuts (soccer, hockey, tennis) are common triggers.

How Is a Sports Hernia Diagnosed?

Because symptoms mimic other injuries, sports hernias can be tricky to confirm. Diagnosis often includes:

• Physical exam: Checking for tenderness, weakness, or pain with movement
• Imaging tests: MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays to rule out other causes
• Symptom review: A detailed medical history helps identify activity-related pain patterns

Treatment Options for a Sports Hernia

Conservative Care

• Rest & activity modification: Taking a break from high-intensity sports to allow healing
• Physical therapy: Focused on strengthening the core and stabilizing the lower abdomen
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to manage pain

Surgical Treatment
If conservative care fails, surgery may be required. Options include:

• Laparoscopic repair (minimally invasive)
• Open surgery for more complex tears

Post-surgery, a structured rehab program is essential to restore mobility and prevent recurrence.

Prevention and Recovery

Prevention tips:

• Strengthen core muscles with planks, bridges, and stability work
• Warm up and cool down before and after activity
• Avoid overtraining—schedule recovery days
• Address minor injuries early before they escalate

Recovery tips:

• Follow a personalized rehab program with a physical therapist
• Gradually return to activity to avoid setbacks
• Stop activity if pain persists and consult your doctor

When to See a Specialist

See a doctor if groin pain:

• Lasts more than a few weeks
• Worsens with sports activity
• Returns after rest or conservative care

Early diagnosis prevents long-term pain and helps athletes return to their sport faster.

Expert Sports Hernia Care at Hernia Innovations

At Hernia Innovations by BASS Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex hernias—including sports hernias. Our team offers:

• Comprehensive evaluations and imaging
• Customized treatment plans
• Minimally invasive surgical repair options

Call us at (925) 940-1025 or request an appointment online today to take the first step toward recovery.

FAQs

How is a sports hernia different from a groin strain?‍

A strain usually heals with rest. Sports hernia pain often returns once activity resumes.

Can you keep playing with a sports hernia?‍

Continuing to play usually worsens the injury. Early treatment is best.

Do sports hernias heal without surgery?‍

Mild cases may improve with rest and therapy, but surgery is often needed if pain persists.

What’s recovery like after sports hernia surgery?‍

Most athletes return to play within a few months, with rehab focusing on core stability.