A hernia is most commonly identified as a lump, which gets bigger on coughing and disappears when lying flat. However, this is not the case for some individuals, especially in the sportsman. Sometimes the lump can be challenging to feel on oneself, occasionally the diagnosis is only made after further tests such as ultrasound.

A true sports hernia can be nothing more than a feeling of weakness around the lower trunk. It could be a pain when trying to walk or maybe just running. The presentation is variable, which is why it makes it tough to diagnose if you do not see them very often.