• Ongoing dull or burning pain in the lower belly or groin
• Pain that gets worse with sprinting, kicking, or twisting
• Groin pain when coughing or sneezing
• Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity
• Widespread pain in the affected area

• Sudden, intense pain at the moment of injury
• A dull or burning ache that does not go away
• Pain spreading down toward the inner thigh (or near scrotum for males)

• Forceful and repeated twisting, kicking, or cutting motions
• Weakness in the core or hip muscles
• Difference between your hip and core muscle strengths
• Unsafe or intense ab and hip exercises

• Is your groin or lower belly pain made worse by sprinting or twisting?
• Does the pain go away with rest but come back the moment you play?
• Do you feel groin pain when you cough or sneeze?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Sports hernias do not generally heal on their own, so you’ll likely need medical treatment
2. 2Stop activities that trigger pain until cleared to return
3. 3Rest and ice the area for the first 7 to 10 days
4. 4After two weeks, start physical therapy focused on core and hip strength

• Pain that does not improve after several months of non-surgical care
• Inability to perform your sport at all due to the pain

• Complete a full physical therapy program for 6 to 8 weeks
• Wait 6 to 12 weeks after any surgery before returning to sport
• Gradually rebuild core and hip strength to prevent re-injury
• Follow a prevention program if your sport involves lots of twisting