Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Will My Hernia Heal On Its Own?

Will My Hernia Heal On Its Own?

A hernia is an injury that develops when an organ or soft tissue bulges out of its normal position in your abdomen. It pushes through a weak point in the surrounding muscles or connective tissue, creating a visible lump in your abdomen, groin, or upper thigh.

Most hernias start small. They may not even cause noticeable symptoms, prompting many people to wonder whether their hernia will heal on its own.

It’s a question we hear a lot, and unfortunately, the answer is generally no. Elvira Klause, MD, FACS, and our team in San Clemente, California, specialize in hernia repair, and we’re here to answer all your questions. 

Why your hernia won’t heal on its own

Your abdominal muscles and a type of connective tissue called fascia work hard to hold your organs in place. But sometimes, structural weaknesses develop in those supportive muscles, or fascia, either due to genetics, injury, or overuse.

When a weak spot appears, your internal organs or fatty tissue can start pushing through and a hernia develops. Your body can’t repair the weak spot on its own, which means your hernia won’t go away without medical intervention.

In fact, untreated hernias often continue getting bigger, not smaller. It is possible that some hernias don’t cause any symptoms, but even if they don’t necessitate immediate treatment, they’re unlikely to heal on their own.

How to manage your hernia symptoms

Most hernias aren’t life-threatening, but they can still be uncomfortable. If you have a hernia, Dr. Klause evaluates the severity of your condition to determine the best course of treatment.

Small hernias may not require surgery right away. We often recommend watchful waiting and some self-care measures to manage any discomfort you experience.

To help make you more comfortable in daily life, we may recommend avoiding heavy lifting, reducing strain on your belly and groin, or wearing a supportive device, like a hernia belt. 

But note that nonsurgical care won’t cure your hernia or prevent it from getting larger or more symptomatic over time.

When to consider hernia repair surgery

The only way to permanently treat a hernia is through surgery. Dr. Klause repairs your hernia by repositioning your organs and tissues and reinforcing the weak point in your muscles or fascia. 

The best surgical method for you depends on a variety of factors, including the location and severity of your hernia, but most people are good candidates for minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair.

Laparoscopic hernia repair offers a number of benefits compared to traditional open surgery. It’s less invasive, comes with a lower risk of complications, and allows for faster recovery times.

You’ll need to recover for a few weeks following surgery. This may involve taking time off work and avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity. We schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Klause and our team to monitor your progress, and most of our patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.

If you have a hernia, it won’t heal on its own, but you do have treatment options. To learn more, contact us at 949-245-6910 or request a consultation online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Recovering From Gallbladder Surgery: Your Step-by-Step Guide

When you’re plagued by painful gallstones, gallbladder surgery can offer much-needed relief. If you’re scheduled for gallbladder surgery, now’s the time to learn what to expect during recovery so you can get back to your life with less pain.

What Is a Mastectomy and When Is It Necessary?

Mastectomy is one of the most common breast cancer treatments. But if you’ve recently been diagnosed, you may wonder what mastectomy really is and whether it’s necessary. Find out more about this surgical procedure here.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Lumpectomy

Surgery is one of the most effective breast cancer treatments, but undergoing surgery doesn’t always mean losing your entire breast. Lumpectomy removes the cancer and a smaller amount of tissue, and it could be right for you. Here's how it works.

4 Surprising Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Fewer risks? Check. Less pain? Check. Faster recovery? Check. Robotic surgery is a flexible technology that offers a surprising number of advantages over traditional surgical procedures. Learn more about its benefits here.

How Do I Know What Type of Hernia I Have?

A hernia is an abdominal injury in which an internal organ or tissue presses through the muscles in your torso. You may notice the telltale hernia lump and wonder what you should do. Learn the types of hernias and treatment options here.