You pushed hard during practice, felt a sharp pull in your groin, and now every sprint, kick, or twist brings the pain right back. If you’ve been told you have a sports hernia, there’s something important you should know before scheduling surgery: A sports hernia is not actually a true hernia.
Getting the right diagnosis before treatment is the difference between recovering fully and continuing to struggle with pain. At NYC Hernia, Dr. Brian Jacob brings world-class surgical expertise and a precise, individualized approach to every patient dealing with groin pain and athletic pubalgia.
What Is a Sports Hernia?
The medical term for a sports hernia is athletic pubalgia. It refers to a sprain, tear, or avulsion of a muscle or tendon that originates or terminates on the pubic bone. These injuries involve muscles of both the abdominal wall and the upper leg.
In some cases, swollen muscles compress nearby nerves, causing referred pain that spreads beyond the groin. Inflammation of the pubic bone itself, called osteitis pubalgia, can also develop.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
Because there is no visible hernia with athletic pubalgia, diagnosis requires a careful physical exam and, often, an MRI. Imaging can identify specific injuries such as rectus abdominis insertion damage, adductor longus tears, or osteitis pubalgia. It can also rule out other causes of groin pain, including hip injuries, spine conditions, inguinal hernias, or gastrointestinal problems.
This distinction matters. If you undergo a routine hernia repair without an accurate diagnosis, your pain may not improve after surgery. Dr. Jacob carefully evaluates the location, radiation pattern, and triggers of your pain before recommending any treatment.
Conservative Treatment First
Most cases of athletic pubalgia are treated conservatively before surgery is considered. Initial treatment typically includes:
- Rest from the aggravating activity (typically 3 to 8 weeks)
- Ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy with a gradual return-to-activity program
Returning to sports too quickly is one of the most common reasons conservative treatment fails. A structured rehab plan is essential for lasting results.
Sports Hernia Surgery
When rest and therapy do not provide lasting relief, surgery may be recommended. The goal of sports hernia surgery is to reinforce the weakened or torn posterior inguinal wall. Dr. Jacob performs both open and laparoscopic repairs depending on what the anatomy reveals during the procedure.
In an open repair, a small groin incision is made to access and reinforce the injured tissues, using either sutures or mesh. In a laparoscopic repair, three small abdominal incisions allow for internal mesh placement with less disruption to surrounding tissue. Some procedures also involve nerve resection or a muscle release to fully address the source of pain.
With proper surgical treatment, more than 90% of patients return to their previous level of activity within weeks to months.
Dr. Jacob’s Lecture on Sports Hernia
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Sports Hernia Surgery in New York, NY?
Athletic pubalgia is one of the most misdiagnosed and mismanaged conditions in sports medicine. Dr. Brian Jacob has devoted most of his career to treating hernias and groin pain, and his depth of experience with sports hernia surgery sets him apart. As a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an internationally recognized hernia specialist, Dr. Jacob has performed thousands of procedures and understands that no two injuries or patients are alike.
For 14 consecutive years, The New York Times Magazine has named Dr. Jacob one of the best hernia surgeons in New York City, and New York Magazine has listed him as a Top Doctor from 2012 through 2026. He is the founder and CEO of the International Hernia Collaboration, overseeing the surgical education of more than 15,000 hernia surgeons worldwide. At NYC Hernia, you receive a thorough evaluation and a surgical plan built specifically around your injury, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Get Back to the Sport You Love
Groin pain does not have to keep you sidelined. If conservative treatment has not worked, or if you want a precise diagnosis before committing to surgery, Dr. Jacob and the team at NYC Hernia are here to help. Schedule your consultation at our New York, NY, practice by calling 212-879-6677 or booking online (opens in new tab).
