Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia) Treatment
A sports hernia (also known as athletic pubalgia, Gilmore’s groin, or muscle hernia) is a soft tissue injury that manifests as intense pain in the groin area. Although typical sports hernias are usually located in the inguinal canal, they can also occur near the pubic bone, where the abdominal muscles and adductors attach.
This condition is not a hernia in the strict sense, but a type of injury in the groin or thigh area caused by overstretching or tearing of soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon). It primarily affects athletes who engage in sports requiring sudden twists, repetitive movements, or abrupt changes in direction or pace. As a medical tourism agency, we help you access specialist diagnostics and treatment for sports hernia at trusted partner hospitals abroad.
What Is a Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia (also known as athletic pubalgia, Gilmore’s groin or muscle hernia) is a soft tissue injury that manifests as intense pain in the groin area. Although typical sports hernias are usually located in the inguinal canal, they can also occur near the pubic bone, where the abdominal muscles and adductors attach.
This condition is not a hernia in the strict sense but rather an injury in the groin or thigh area caused by overstretching or tearing of soft tissue (muscle, ligament or tendon). It primarily affects athletes who engage in sports requiring sudden twists, repetitive movements or abrupt changes in direction or pace.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sports Hernia?
The hallmark symptom of a sports hernia is pain, most commonly felt in the groin but sometimes also in the pubic region. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and the adductor muscles.
Severe pain in the groin area usually occurs at the time of injury, subsides with rest, but returns upon resuming sports activities – particularly during twisting movements. Over time, a sports hernia can lead to the development of an inguinal hernia, characterised by a soft lump or thickening in the groin area.
If left untreated, the pain from a sports hernia can become so debilitating that it makes returning to sport impossible or leads to chronic, incapacitating discomfort.
What Causes a Sports Hernia?
Sports such as football, American football, wrestling and hockey require planting the feet firmly and twisting with maximum force. These movements can contribute to tearing soft tissues in the groin or lower abdomen.
Other risk factors for developing a sports hernia in physically active individuals include:
How Is a Sports Hernia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a sports hernia consists of a specialist consultation combined with a physical examination, during which the doctor may ask the patient to perform trunk flexion or resisted trunk movements.
Pain in the groin or above the pubic bone may indicate a sports hernia. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is a Sports Hernia Treated?
Treatment for a sports hernia depends on the severity of the condition and the intensity of the pain. In many cases, conservative (non-surgical) treatment is tried first.
Rest & Activity Modification
Rest and avoidance of physical exertion for the first 7–10 days after the injury are recommended. During this period, ice packs can be applied to the painful area in the groin to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Physiotherapy & Exercises
Strengthening and stretching exercises for the abdominal and inner thigh muscles can usually be introduced about two weeks after the injury. A structured physiotherapy programme helps restore stability and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Medication
Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce swelling and pain. If pain persists, cortisone injections – a steroid-based anti-inflammatory treatment – may be recommended.
Note: If pain persists or recurs after 4–6 weeks despite conservative therapy, surgical intervention may be necessary to reconstruct the torn tissues.
What Does the Surgical Treatment of a Sports Hernia Entail?
Surgical repair can be performed using an open technique, involving a single long incision, or minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures involve small incisions through which the surgeon inserts miniature surgical tools and a camera. Laparoscopy or robotic surgery is particularly recommended for procedures like inguinal neurectomy, where a small nerve in the groin must be cut to relieve pain.
These techniques offer better visualisation, greater precision, a lower risk of nerve damage, less postoperative pain, and faster return to sports.
Robotic surgery and laparoscopy are also useful for repeat procedures, such as adductor tenotomy, which involves cutting the tendon attaching the inner thigh muscles to the pubic bone to improve movement and reduce tension.
What Is the Recovery Process After Sports Hernia Surgery?
Over 90% of patients with a sports hernia who undergo conservative treatment followed by surgery can fully return to sport. Rehabilitation usually lasts 6–12 weeks, after which physical activity can be resumed.
However, returning to intense sport may carry a risk of re-injury, potentially requiring further surgical reconstruction.
What Is the Cost of Sports Hernia Surgery?
The cost of commercial sports hernia surgery depends on the method used (open, laparoscopic, or robotic). All details of the procedure and treatment options are discussed with the patient and surgeon during the consultation.
Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.
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