Pulled Groin vs. Hernia

If you have ever felt pain or a constant ache in the groin after physical activity, you may suspect a pulled muscle as the cause of your symptoms. While a strained groin can indeed be a potential reason for sudden pain in this region, it’s also possible for older and/or overweight patients to be experiencing an inguinal hernia. As the most common type of hernia treated, an inguinal hernia refers to a hole in a weakened section of abdominal muscle. Fatty tissue or a section of intestine can poke through this hole, often causing pain, swelling, burning, or a heavy sensation when standing. These symptoms typically feel very similar to a pulled groin, leading to confusion for many patients who suspect they are suffering from a groin injury. 

A hernia is often physically noticeable—it can be identifiable through a lump or bump in the affected area. The lump may get bigger when a patient coughs, which is usually how doctors diagnose an inguinal hernia during a physical exam. While a pulled groin typically occurs in athletes or patients who are physically active, individuals who are overweight or obese are often at a higher risk for developing a hernia. Fortunately, this condition can be successfully treated with hernia surgery provided the procedure is performed by a highly experienced bariatric surgeon. At our Fort Worth practice, Dr. Hossein Bagshahi can repair hernias in the groin, upper stomach, and incision sites with minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci^® system. These approaches offer shorter periods of downtime when compared to other surgical procedures. If you suspect you are suffering from a hernia, please don’t hesitate to contact Bagshahi Bariatric and General Surgery to schedule a consultation.