I Have a Hernia but Don’t Want Surgery. Is It Okay Just to Use a Truss?
A truss (support belt) can make you more comfortable—but it won’t fix the problem.
⛔ The hernia is still there.
⚠️ It can get worse.
🚨 In rare cases, it can become an emergency.
👉 In this post, learn:
• When a truss can help
• The signs you need urgent care
• Why surgery is the only permanent fix
📌 Your comfort matters—but so does your safety.
A hernia happens when part of an organ—often the intestine—pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. This can cause a bulge, discomfort, or pain. Many people wonder if they can avoid surgery by using a truss or hernia belt.
A truss is a supportive garment that holds gentle pressure over the hernia to help keep it in place. It can make you more comfortable and may help you do daily activities without pain. However, a truss does not fix the hernia. The weak spot in the muscle is still there, and the hernia can come back out as soon as the truss is removed.
In most cases, surgery is the only permanent way to repair a hernia. Without surgery, the hernia may grow larger over time and cause more symptoms. The biggest risk is that the intestine can become trapped (incarcerated) or have its blood supply cut off (strangulated). This is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgery. Warning signs include sudden severe pain, redness over the bulge, nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass stool or gas.
If you are not ready for surgery, using a truss can be a short-term option, especially if your hernia is small and not causing major problems. But you should talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for your type of hernia. When you ARE ready for surgery, check out our website to see your options. We’ve got you covered!
Bottom line: A truss can help with comfort, but it’s not a cure. The safest long-term solution is surgical repair before complications happen.