Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Hernias

A sports hernia—also known as athletic pubalgia—is a common yet often misunderstood cause of chronic groin pain in athletes and active individuals. Unlike traditional hernias, sports hernias do not involve a visible bulge, which can make them challenging to diagnose and frustrating to treat without expert care.

At Core Surgical in New York City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sports hernias using evidence-based, minimally invasive techniques. With nearly 60 years of combined experience and a team of board-certified surgeons, we are proud to be one of the leading centers for groin pain and sports hernia treatment in the NYC area.

To help you better understand this condition, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about sports hernias.

What Is a Sports Hernia?

A sports hernia is not a true hernia in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a tear or strain of the soft tissues—such as tendons, ligaments, or muscles—within the lower abdominal or groin area. It most commonly affects athletes who perform repetitive twisting or explosive movements, such as:

• Soccer players
• Hockey players
• Runners
• Football players
• Tennis players

Unlike inguinal hernias, there is no visible protrusion, which is why accurate diagnosis requires a specialist familiar with the complexities of the groin.

What Are the Symptoms of a Sports Hernia?

The most common symptom is chronic pain in the groin or lower abdomen, especially during physical activity. Other symptoms include:

• Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
• Sharp or stabbing sensations during movement
• Discomfort when coughing or sneezing
• Tenderness in the groin or inner thigh
• Limited hip or core strength

If left untreated, the pain can become debilitating and impact daily activities—not just athletic performance.

How Is a Sports Hernia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a sports hernia requires a combination of:

• Clinical evaluation by a trained specialist
• Advanced imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound
• Ruling out other causes of groin pain, such as labral tears, hip impingement, or traditional inguinal hernias

At Core Surgical, our team uses a multidisciplinary approach to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Can a Sports Hernia Heal on Its Own?

In some cases, conservative treatment—including rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and activity modification—can improve symptoms. However, many sports hernias do not heal completely without surgery, especially if the patient is a high-performance athlete or continues to experience pain after conservative treatment.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Surgery is typically recommended if:

• Pain persists after 6–12 weeks of conservative care
• The injury involves a significant tear of the abdominal wall
• The patient wants to return to high-level sports activity

At Core Surgical, we offer minimally invasive laparoscopic repair for sports hernias, allowing for faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. Our techniques are designed to strengthen the abdominal wall while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

What Is the Recovery Time After Sports Hernia Surgery?

Most patients:

• Return to light activity within 1–2 weeks
• Resume physical therapy within 2–3 weeks
• Return to sports within 6–8 weeks

Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the injury, the patient’s sport, and overall health.

How Common Are Sports Hernias?

According to research, sports hernias account for up to 6% of all athletic injuries, but the number may be higher due to misdiagnosis or underreporting. They are especially common in male athletes, but female athletes can also suffer from this condition.

Why Choose Core Surgical in NYC?

At Core Surgical, we have built a reputation for excellence in treating complex groin injuries. Our team of board-certified surgeons has nearly six decades of combined clinical experience, with special expertise in hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, and adductor surgery.

We understand that surgery is only one part of the healing process, which is why we collaborate with physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

Get Expert Help for Groin Pain Today

If you’re experiencing persistent groin pain that hasn’t responded to rest or therapy, don’t wait. A sports hernia could be the underlying cause—and the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can get back to peak performance.

Contact Core Surgical in NYC today to schedule a consultation with our sports hernia specialists. Let us help you find answers, relief, and a path back to the activities you love.