Hernias are a painful condition caused when an internal organ pushes through the muscles or tissues holding it in place. This can often cause a noticeable bump or lump to form around the affected region. A common example is when the intestines push through the abdominal muscles in your body. Hernias often occur around the abdominal or groin region and are most visible while standing.
Common symptoms of a hernia include:
- A feeling of fullness or constipation
- Weakness and pressure around a sensitive area
- A bulge or lump that does not go away
- A tugging and burning aching sensation
However, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions. This is why it is so important that if you suffer from one of these symptoms to speak to a hernia specialist. That way they can specify if your painful condition is the result of a hernia or one of these possible medical issues.
Groin Strains
A hernia can often be mistaken for a groin strain as both conditions can cause a burning tugging sensation around the groin. They both can also cause weakness in the area for an extended period of time. The condition in question might be an inguinal or groin hernia if there is a lump on one side of your groin that is most noticeable while walking or standing. While people can suffer from groin hernia even without a bulge forming, a lump is the most common sign that you are suffering from a groin hernia and not simply a strain.
Ovarian Cysts
For women, hernias can often be small and internal, which is why they can often be misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts. Women are less likely to suffer from hernias compared to men, which can also be why hernias are misattributed to ovarian conditions. If a woman is continually suffering from abdominal pain or groin pain and other explanations have been ruled out, a hernia may be the cause.
Appendicitis
Strong intense pain around the abdominal region, especially if it comes on suddenly, can also be a sign of appendicitis. If you feel an intense abdominal pain that intensifies greatly over the course of 12 to 24 hours and is causing nausea and vomiting, this is probably not a sign of a hernia but a serious bacterial infection. Please consult a medical professional immediately if this is the case
Conclusion
There are a multitude of issues that may cause groin or abdominal pain. However, a hernia will often cause a lump or bulge that will be most prominent while standing. While some hernias can get dramatically worse, abdominal pain that onsets dramatically over the course of a few hours might be a sign of a serious infection that should receive treatment immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about groin or abdominal pain it is always a good idea to consult a medical professional as soon as you can.
