Playing sports can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of risks, including the potential for injuries. One common injury that athletes may encounter is a sports hernia, also known as athletic pubalgia or groin disruption injury. Despite its name, a sports hernia is not actually a hernia in the traditional sense but rather a strain or tear in the soft tissue of the lower abdomen or groin area. Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment options for a sports hernia can help athletes recognize and address this condition promptly.
What is a Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia occurs when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the lower abdomen or groin area tear or weaken. Unlike a traditional hernia, which involves a protrusion of abdominal tissue through a weakened abdominal wall, a sports hernia involves a soft tissue injury that may not result in a visible bulge or lump. Instead, the injury typically causes pain and discomfort in the groin area, especially during physical activity.
Symptoms of a Sports Hernia
The symptoms of a sports hernia can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common signs and symptoms may include:
Sports Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Safe Recovery
Despite its name, a sports hernia isn’t actually a hernia. It refers to a strain or tear in the muscles of the lower abdomen and groin area, often caused by athletic activities. “But nothing is herniating or bulging through the abdominal wall,” explains Samantha Stewart, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health.
While it’s not a true hernia, a sports hernia can still be painful and disruptive if left untreated. Over time, it may even increase your risk of developing a true hernia, which occurs when internal organs push through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Fortunately, most sports hernias improve with conservative treatments like exercise and physical therapy.
Read on to learn more about sports hernias, including their causes, treatments, and exercises recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists to aid recovery.
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Everything You Need to Know About Sports Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
A sports hernia, despite its name, isn't a traditional hernia in the way you might think. This article discusses everything you need to know about it.
Understanding Sports Hernia
When you hear "sports hernia," it's easy to think of it as something only affecting elite athletes, but that's not entirely true. While it's certainly more common among professional soccer players, hockey players, and other athletes in sports that demand explosive movements, anyone participating in vigorous physical activities can be at risk. In fact, studies suggest that sports hernias account for up to 5% of all sports-related injuries.
A sports hernia involves a tear or strain in the soft tissues of the lower abdomen or groin area, particularly where the abdominal muscles attach to the pubic bone. This happens because this area is subjected to significant stress during activities that involve sudden directional changes or twists.
It's also important to recognize that the term "sports hernia" can be a bit misleading. Medically, it's often referred to as athle
Understanding Sports Hernia Causes and Treatments
Sports hernia, also known as athletic pubalgia, is a painful, soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin area. Unlike a traditional hernia, there is no visible bulge, making it somewhat elusive to diagnose. A comprehensive understanding of sports hernias, encompassing their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments.
What is a Sports Hernia?
A sports hernia is a strain or tear of any soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) in the lower abdomen or groin area. Despite its name, it is not a true hernia. The condition is most commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden changes of direction or intense twisting movements, such as soccer, hockey, and football.
Causes of Sports Hernia
Sudden Twisting and Turning Movements
The primary cause of a sports hernia is the repetitive or sudden twisting and turning movements often required in sports. These movements can place significant stress on the groin area, leading to strains or tears in the soft tissues.
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