The short answer
A sports hernia (athletic pubalgia) is a strain of the lower abdominal and adductor (groin) muscle attachments at the pubic bone, causing deep groin pain with sprinting, cutting, and kicking. Unlike a true hernia there is usually no visible bulge. Most cases improve with a structured rehabilitation program, activity modification, and image-guided PRP, with surgery reserved for those who fail conservative care.
Medically reviewed by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship. Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A sports hernia isn't a classic hernia — it's an overload injury of the muscles and tendons that attach around the pubic bone, where the lower abdominals and adductors meet. It is common in sports with repeated cutting, sprinting, and kicking, and produces deep groin or lower-abdominal pain that worsens with exertion and eases with rest.
Dr. Gruner confirms the source with examination and ultrasound, then leads a staged rehabilitation program targeting core and adductor strength and movement mechanics. Image-guided PRP can support healing of the injured attachments, and surgery is considered only when a thorough rehabilitation effort has not resolved the pain.
Common symptoms
- Deep groin or lower-abdominal pain
- Pain with sprinting, cutting, or kicking
- Pain with sit-ups or coughing
- Relief with rest, return with activity
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
A focused conversation
Dr. Gruner reviews your history, prior imaging, and goals — what you want to get back to doing.
- 2.
Point-of-care ultrasound
When useful, a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluates the injury in real time, with no radiation.
- 3.
A clear, individualized plan
You leave understanding the diagnosis, the non-surgical options, and the expected timeline — in plain language.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a sports hernia require surgery?
- Not usually as a first step. Most athletes improve with a structured core-and-adductor rehabilitation program, activity modification, and image-guided PRP. Surgery is reserved for cases that don't respond to a dedicated course of conservative treatment.