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. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Common Signs of Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder may be small, but it can cause serious discomfort when issues arise. So how do you know when your symptoms are due to gallbladder disease? Keep reading to learn the most common signs of a problem.

Effective Treatments for Your Pilonidal Cyst

If you have a painful lump near your tailbone, it’s likely a pilonidal cyst. This problem can seem embarrassing, but they become a distant memory in no time when you get the right treatment. Keep reading to learn more.

What to Expect from Your Wound Debridement

No matter what causes a wound, it always requires healthy tissue to heal. That’s where surgical wound debridement comes into play. It removes debris, dirt, and dead tissue from a wound to encourage healing in the area. Here’s what you should know.

4 Lifestyle Habits for Managing Your Hernia Symptoms

There are several kinds of hernias, but they often share the same cause: too much strain on weakened tissue. Fortunately, there are ways to manage hernia symptoms and avoid ongoing problems, before and after treatment.

What Causes Lipomas?

Do you have a fatty lump on your body that moves when you touch it? It could be a lipoma. These growths usually aren’t serious or life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t bothersome. Read on to learn more.