If you have a hernia, you may feel pain in the area where the hernia is located. Hernias can occur in different parts of the body, so the exact location of the pain will depend on where the hernia is.
Common hernia locations include around the belly button (umbilical hernia), in the groin (inguinal hernia), at the top of the inner thigh (femoral hernia), in the abdomen (ventral hernia), or in the upper arm (axillary hernia).
In general, people with hernias will experience a feeling of pressure, tenderness, and pain in the area of the hernia. Pain may become worse when the person stands, coughs, or lifts heavy objects. In some cases, a hernia may be painless and may only be discovered during a physical exam.
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How do I check myself for a hernia?
If you think you might have a hernia, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor right away. However, there are some steps you can take to check yourself for a hernia before you go to the doctor.
First, you should inspect your abdominal area and examine your skin. Look for any lumps or bulges that may be present. Gently press around the lump. If the lump moves around or appears larger when you press on it, it may be a hernia.
Other symptoms can include pain or pressure in the area of the lump.
You may also want to pay attention to any additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty urinating, fever, or a burning sensation in the abdomen.
Once you have identified a lump or area of concern, make sure you bring it up to your doctor during your appointment. Be sure to share any other symptoms you may be having so that your doctor can provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
What can be mistaken for hernia?
Hernia can be mistakenly mistaken for other ailments, such as varicose veins, pulled muscles, appendicitis, cysts, and other types of abdominal lumps. Symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, bulging of the abdomen, and difficulty with bodily movement can be mistaken for hernia.
However, hernia is typically diagnosed with an examination from a medical professional who will feel the area around the abdomen to detect a hernia and a combination of tests including a physical examination, imaging tests (CT or MRI scans), or laparoscopy (a medical procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a camera attached into the abdomen).
If a hernia is detected, it is usually surgically repaired in most cases.
What does the early stages of a hernia feel like?
The early stages of a hernia can sometimes be difficult to detect and diagnose as they usually produce very mild or no symptoms at all. However, some of the most common signs of a hernia include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen, or a bulge or lump that can be felt when the area is touched.
Pain or discomfort may also be present when the area is touched or when physical activity or changes in posture occur. Additional symptoms may vary depending on the type of hernia and can include nausea, vomiting, or fever.
If a hernia is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications from a hernia that may become worse.
Does a hernia hurt if you push on it?
The answer to this question depends on the severity and type of hernia. Generally speaking, a hernia can cause pain when direct pressure is applied to the area, such as pushing on it. Hernias are usually caused by weakened abdominal muscles, and can create a bulge in the affected area.
If the hernia is the result of an incarcerated organ, such as a portion of bowel, then the hernia can become very painful, especially when pressure is applied. Additionally, if the hernia is the result of a stretched nerve, such as an inguinal hernia, then pushing on it can cause sharp, shooting pains.
Regardless of the type of hernia, medical advice should be sought out in order to monitor any changes in symptoms. If the hernia is causing considerable pain upon touching it, then medical intervention may be necessary in order to reduce the risk of complications.
How do you know if you have a hernia or not?
If you believe you may have a hernia, the best way to determine that is to visit your doctor and have them do a physical exam of your abdomen. During the exam, your doctor will be looking for bulges or protrusions in your abdomen.
They may also press on your abdomen and ask you to cough, as hernias can sometimes be found by feeling the area during a physical exam while the patient is coughing. In addition, your doctor may suggest having an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to get a better look at the area and area around the hernia.
These tests can confirm that a hernia is present, and can show the size and exact location of the hernia. Some hernias may require no treatment, while others may need to be repaired surgically if they are causing pain or other problems.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
It is generally recommended to seek treatment for a hernia as soon as possible. Without treatment, a hernia can potentially become more severe and cause serious health complications. For example, the contents of a hernia can become trapped in the hernia opening (known as an incarcerated or strangulated hernia), which can be painful and can cut off the blood supply to the organ or tissue that is trapped.
This is a life-threatening condition and can require emergency surgery. It is also important to note that hernias do not heal on their own, so if left untreated, a hernia can grow larger over time. Since hernias can be caused or worsened by certain activities that put too much strain on an area of the body, it is recommended to seek medical advice to determine the best course of treatment in order to prevent further damage.
Is a hernia soft or hard?
A hernia is typically soft and can sometimes be mistaken for a soft lump or bulge. Some hernias may be hard if there is a mass of tissue present or if the hernia is strangulated or non-reducible. A strangulated hernia means the opening in the tissue has closed off, causing the hernia to swell up and become hard.
Non-reducible hernias are hernias that cannot be manually pushed back in. These are usually also hard and tender to the touch.
Why does my hernia hurt when I press it?
Hernias can be painful when you press on them because, when the hernia occurs, the area where it forms becomes weak and the congestion of the abdominal organs and tissue can cause pain and discomfort.
This pressure from the hernia can cause localized pain due to the strain that it creates. The pain is usually only experienced when pressure is applied and usually improves with rest. In some cases, people may experience ongoing pain even when there is no pressure, which can be due to inflammation or irritation of the tissues in the hernia.
In some cases, the hernia can become strangulated, which means that the hernia is unable to reduce itself back into the abdomen and can cause severe pain and even lead to gangrene and other medical complications.
In cases of severe pain or strangulation, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Does hernia pain come and go or is it constant?
Hernia pain typically is not constant but can come and go depending on how severe your individual case is. For most people, the pain may start out mild and gradually increase in severity with time. The pain is most likely to come in the form of a sharp, burning sensation, localized to the affected area.
The pain may be worse when you stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, cough, sneeze, or strain to use the bathroom. It may even radiate to other areas of the body, such as the back or other abdominal muscles, and can sometimes be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Individuals who have an incarcerated or strangulated hernia may experience constant, severe pain that is unrelieved by rest and is accompanied by pain in the shoulder area (referred to as shoulder tip pain).
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Can you have a hernia without a bulge?
Yes, you can have a hernia without a bulge. A hernia occurs when the inner lining of the abdominal wall becomes weakened, allowing tissue from another area to protrude through the weakened area. This protruded tissue can be felt as a bulge, however, not all hernias cause an outward bulge.
Some hernias occur without any outward bulges being present, such as an incarcerated hernia. An incarcerated hernia is a hernia that has become trapped, typically due to the muscles around the hernia becoming too tight or strained, leading to a blockage of the area.
An incarcerated hernia typically presents with no bulge but with symptoms that include severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor to rule out a hernia.
What is a false hernia?
A false hernia is a pseudohernia, which is a condition that mimics a hernia but is not one. It occurs when a loop of intestine gets trapped in the preperitoneal fatty tissue of the abdominal wall, which is the area between the muscles of the abdominal wall and the peritoneum membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
False hernias don’t involve a hole in the abdominal wall and can’t be seen on imaging tests; they don’t cause a visible bulge. Instead, they’re often discovered accidentally during surgery on the abdominal cavity.
False hernias may cause mild, localized pain or aching that are sometimes mistaken for similar-seeming hernial pains. Treatment typically consists of resetting the loop of intestine and sometimes using supports to keep it in place.
Does hernia pain hurt all the time?
No, hernia pain does not typically hurt all the time. Although hernia pain can range from mild to severe, it is usually felt only when the area of the hernia is touched or strained. Common causes of hernia pain include coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy items, and straining on the toilet.
Even though hernia pain is not constant, it may still be severe and cause significant discomfort. Depending on the severity of the hernia, pain may worsen over time and become more frequent. If you experience any frequent and severe pain in your abdomen or groin area, it is important to get in touch with a doctor right away.
Do I have a hernia or am I just sore?
It can be difficult to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a hernia or are just feeling sore. If you are feeling pain in your abdomen, groin, or upper thigh area, you may be experiencing a hernia.
Common symptoms of a hernia include a bulge or a lump in the abdomen, pain that gets worse when you do activities that involve physical strain, and a heaviness or aching sensation in the abdomen. You may also experience pain when you press on your abdomen or decreased appetite.
It is important to consult with a doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have a hernia. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine if they are caused by a hernia or something else.
Depending on the severity of the hernia, your doctor may recommend surgery, lifestyle changes, bracing, or medications to treat the hernia.
In some cases, the discomfort you are feeling may just be soreness. If you engage in activities that involve physical strain, such as running or weight lifting, you may have just irritated the muscles in the affected area.
Other possible causes of soreness include sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, frequent physical activity, poor posture, and bloated bowel movements.
To determine whether you are feeling soreness or a hernia, it is important to monitor your symptoms and speak with a doctor about your concerns.
How do you rule out a hernia?
Most cases of a hernia can be ruled out through a physical examination. Your doctor may first ask about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will then do a physical examination of your abdomen, looking for any indications of a hernia.
The physical examination includes feeling your abdomen and inguinal areas to search for any abnormalities, such as a bulge. Depending on the results of the physical examination, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an x-ray or an ultrasound, to help further rule out a hernia.
Other diagnostic tests that may be used to rule out a hernia include a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. During the tests, your doctor will look for any hernia-like structures that are present.
If the tests still cannot detect the presence of a hernia, they may choose to perform exploratory surgery to investigate further. Through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and exploratory surgery, your doctor should be able to rule out the presence of a hernia.
