10 Signs Indicating You May Have a Hernia

A hernia can be painful and debilitating. It’s estimated that each year in the United States, 800,000 people are diagnosed with a hernia. Hernias are more common in men than women. About 25% of males and about 2% of females develop an inguinal (groin) hernia in their lifetimes.

Most people have heard of hernias, but many don’t really understand what they are or what symptoms may indicate the presence of a hernia. It’s important to know the symptoms so you can get medical assistance immediately and save yourself unnecessary pain and the risks of developing serious complications. 

A hernia can cause intense pain, and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Here at Surgical Associates of North Texas, Dr. Scott deVilleneuve is a highly skilled surgeon with many years of experience treating hernias. If you think you have a hernia, contact our office immediately to set up an appointment.

What is a hernia?

A hernia is simply a hole in what is called the fascia, which is the thick connective tissue that surrounds the muscles of our abdominal wall. Depending on where the actual defect is determines the type of hernia. The most common types are inguinal, umbilical, femoral, and incisional. 

What are the signs you may have a hernia?

It’s difficult to know for sure if you have a hernia without medical examination. However, there are some signs that can indicate that you may have a hernia.  The most common sign is a bulge in an area where there shouldn’t be one. This will be caused by the internal organs (usually the small intestine) protruding through the hernia defect.  This bulge may or may not be painful, but should be checked out regardless. The other common symptom is pain (especially with activity or after prolonged standing/walking) in the groin or umbilical region.

How are hernias treated?

After learning about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing an exam, Dr. deVilleneuve determines what kind of hernia you have. The treatment he recommends depends on your specific hernia condition and what works best for you. 

Most hernias can be treated using laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses tiny incisions to complete the repair of the damaged area. Dr. deVilleneuve uses the latest high-tech tools to minimize your pain and risk, allowing you to have the shortest recovery time possible. For most laparoscopic surgeries, you will be able to resume your normal, day to day activities in a couple of days, with full unrestricted activity resuming in a week or two.

If you think you might have a hernia, it’s important to get care right away to avoid a painful condition and possible complications. At Surgical Associates of North Texas, Dr. Scott deVilleneuve provides top-notch hernia care. Call our office today or click on our online booking tool to set up an appointment.