“How long after inguinal hernia repair can I run?”
I will have surgery for an inguinal hernia. How long after inguinal hernia repair can I run?
4 Answers
AbdominalSurgeonsurgeon
This is a great question. It depends on the type of hernia and the type of repair used. In my patients, I usually restrict running for two weeks after a minimally invasive inguinal (groin) hernia repair. That limitation is six weeks for other types of hernias and for open groin hernia repairs. Ultimately this should be part of the discussion with your surgeon around the time of surgery to determine the expectation for recovery after your specific surgery.
You should not run for a minimum of four weeks. The running motions and bouncing in the groin when the leg hits the ground with running steps can cause wound pressures that can weaken and cause bulging at the site of healing. Tissue healing takes four weeks to become strong. It would be even safer to wait six weeks and then be slow and careful with only small steps. Half steps are best to do for another three weeks longer.