Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Hernia Truss?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A hernia truss is a support garment used to prevent a hernia from getting bigger, while also helping to keep the hernia stationary. Trusses of this type are most effective when worn next to the skin rather than over undergarments, and in order to provide the best fit, a hernia belt or truss is usually adjustable.

In most cases, the truss is constructed with a combination of padding and stretchy material. The padding provides a degree of comfort and works with the flexible body to create a firm support for the protrusion. In some places around the world, the truss will feature a spring mechanism rather than rely on the stretch material to create a snug fit. Since hernias vary in size and in location, the simple design makes is possible to use the garment for abdominal support or event provide some degree of relief in the event of a groin hernia.

Choosing the best hernia truss depends on the position and severity of the individual's hernia.
Choosing the best hernia truss depends on the position and severity of the individual's hernia.

When wearing a hernia truss, it is important for the patient to find the right balance between a snug fit and creating the proper support. If the truss is too tight, there is the possibility of restricting necessary blood flow to the area. When it's not tight enough, however, it will do little to nothing to keep the hernia in place and prevent further its expansion.

A hernia belt is an example of a hernia truss.
A hernia belt is an example of a hernia truss.

In most cases, these garments are not intended for wear while sleeping. Most healthcare professionals recommend donning the truss before dressing in the morning, and wearing the garment through the day. There are some situations where a medical professional will recommend wearing the truss, such as if the patient is currently dealing with a cold where coughing and sneezing are highly likely. The truss will help to minimize the impact coughs and sneezes on the hernia and help prevent its further expansion.

A hernia truss is most often worn prior to surgery.
A hernia truss is most often worn prior to surgery.

While the hernia truss is more often worn prior to surgery, there are situations where a patient is counseled to continue wearing it during the recovery period. The attending healthcare professional can evaluate the condition of the patient and determine if this garment is required, and how long the patient will need to continue wearing it.

Purchasing a truss is not difficult, and medical supply stores carry several brands. It is not unusual for a pharmacy to also sell at least one option. The garment tends to be moderately priced, making it affordable for just about any budget.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon334802

People who get a kidney transplant should have a hernia truss after surgery because they cut you the whole way across. I did not get one and now a year and a half later, I have to have a hernia repair. I will wear one after this surgery. Buy one if you have to have surgery on your belly.

anon308029

Does anyone have any recommendations for hernia supports? I have my surgery in two months and have been to told to get one. We were told that boots sold them but were out of stock.

anon290558

I wish I had worn a truss, but I had surgery, ended up getting MRSA and 10 years after I still suffer pain down there.

upnorth31

My friend has been wearing a hernia truss for quite awhile. He was supposed to have a hernia operation, and was just wearing the truss for comfort until then. But he ended up postponing the surgery.

He says he's going to reschedule it, but I don't know how long that will take. How long can a hernia truss be worn? And will it prevent the hernia from getting worse?

claire24

I wish I had read this article years ago, when my husband had a hernia. He was in so much pain before his surgery, and a hernia support truss would have helped him so much.

It makes me wonder why the doctor didn't recommend it for him. I hated seeing him in such misery.

I'll definitely keep this in mind, if it ever becomes an issue again.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Choosing the best hernia truss depends on the position and severity of the individual's hernia.
      By: Monkey Business
      Choosing the best hernia truss depends on the position and severity of the individual's hernia.
    • A hernia belt is an example of a hernia truss.
      A hernia belt is an example of a hernia truss.
    • A hernia truss is most often worn prior to surgery.
      By: araraadt
      A hernia truss is most often worn prior to surgery.
    • Abdominal hernias are the most common and well-known type of hernia.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Abdominal hernias are the most common and well-known type of hernia.
    • Overweight individuals may be susceptible to groin hernias.
      By: Eugenio Marongiu
      Overweight individuals may be susceptible to groin hernias.
    • Coughing can aggravate a hernia.
      By: Ilike
      Coughing can aggravate a hernia.
    • A hernia truss may be recommended if a patient is coughing or sneezing due to allergies.
      By: Kalim
      A hernia truss may be recommended if a patient is coughing or sneezing due to allergies.