Sports Hernia vs. Groin Strain: How to Know When You Need Surgery

Groin pain is common among athletes and physically active people, especially those who run, twist, or make sudden changes in direction. You might assume the discomfort comes from a pulled muscle, but persistent groin pain could indicate a sports hernia.

New York Hernia Center, with locations in New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut, specializes in diagnosing and treating sports hernias.

General and advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgeon Daniel Rosen, MD, offers personalized evaluations and minimally invasive surgical options to help relieve persistent groin pain and restore your mobility.

Understanding the difference between a sports hernia and groin strain can help you decide when conservative treatment is enough and when surgery may be necessary.

What's the difference between a sports hernia and a groin strain?

Although both injuries can cause discomfort in similar areas, they affect different tissues and may require different treatments.

Groin strain

Groin strain occurs when you overstretch or tear the muscles or tendons in your inner thigh. These injuries frequently happen during sprinting, kicking, or sudden changes in direction.

Common symptoms of a groin strain include:

• Sharp pain in your inner thigh or groin
• Tenderness, swelling, or bruising
• Discomfort when bringing your legs together
• Pain that gradually improves with rest

Most mild to moderate groin strains heal with conservative treatment, including activity modification and physical therapy. Tissue tears may require a longer recovery period or surgery.

Sports hernia

Despite its name, a sports hernia isn't a traditional hernia. It involves injury to the muscles, tendons, or connective tissues that support your lower abdomen and groin.

Unlike a traditional inguinal hernia, a sports hernia typically doesn't produce a visible bulge.

Sports hernia symptoms may include:

• Deep, persistent groin or lower abdominal pain
• Discomfort during twisting, sprinting, or kicking
• Pain when coughing, sneezing, or performing sit-ups
• Symptoms that improve with rest but return during activity

Because these symptoms overlap with those of a groin strain, a professional evaluation is important.

How do you know if your groin injury needs surgery?

Not every sports hernia requires surgery. However, certain symptoms suggest that conservative treatment may not provide sufficient relief.

1. Pain keeps returning

If your discomfort improves at rest but returns immediately when you resume physical activity, your injury may not have healed enough.

2. Physical therapy isn't helping

Rehabilitation exercises can strengthen supporting muscles and improve stability. However, persistent pain despite an appropriate course of physical therapy may indicate the need for additional treatment.

3. Your injury limits everyday activities

When groin pain interferes with walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or performing routine movements, it's time to investigate the underlying cause.

4. Imaging reveals significant tissue damage

An MRI or other imaging study may help identify injured muscles, tendons, or associated conditions. Dr. Rosen considers these findings alongside your symptoms and physical examination when recommending treatment.

What happens during sports hernia surgery?

When nonsurgical treatments don't provide lasting relief, surgery may repair damaged tissues and restore stability to the affected area.

Dr. Rosen uses minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques for appropriate sports hernia injuries. These procedures require only small incisions and specialized instruments to access and repair the affected area.

Potential advantages of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Less postoperative pain
• Smaller scars
• Reduced risk of bleeding and infection
• Shorter recovery compared with traditional open procedures

However, recovery varies depending on the injury and surgical approach. Physical rehabilitation may be necessary before returning to demanding athletic activities.

Get lasting relief from persistent groin pain

Whether you're a competitive athlete or enjoy staying active, ongoing groin pain shouldn't keep you from doing what you love.

An accurate diagnosis can help determine whether your symptoms result from a muscle strain, sports hernia, or another condition requiring specialized care.

Call New York Hernia Center today or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rosen and learn whether minimally invasive sports hernia surgery is right for you.