Sportsman’s hernia is a misunderstood condition that affects athletes as well as active individuals. It is determined by chronic groin pain that is due to a tear or strain in the muscles or else on the tendons of the lower abdomen or groin area. It is different from traditional hernias, which are the protrusion of tissue at the weak spot in the abdominal wall and a sportsman’s hernia results in a visible bulge. It is vital to understand the condition to detect it on time and to get appropriate management. To get the best treatment, consult Dr Vikas Singhal, known for the hernia treatment in Delhi, who offers boundless services to patients and offers ideal medical treatment as he is proficient in open hernia surgery, laparoscopic hernia surgery and robotic hernia surgery, which is required in patients with many complications.
What is a Sportman’s Hernia?
Sportsman’s hernia is a condition also termed as athletic pubalgia. It is a condition that occurs when there is a tear or strain in soft tissue of the groin area, particularly involving muscles, tendons as well and ligaments. This is a type of injury common in athletes or active people who indulge in sports that involve sudden direction change, intense physical activity or repetitive motions. For many, the term sports hernia is misleading, as it is not a condition that affects an actual hernia but is a painful injury to the groin region.
Causes as well as risk factors
A Sports Hernia is said to be a condition in which there is an injury to the soft tissue of the lower abdomen as well as the groin that causes persistent pain and discomfort. Athletes are more prone to experience the issue, especially those who play football, rugby, hockey and soccer, because these games involve rapid testing, turning and sprinting. It is not a traditional hernia where tissue pushes through a weakness in the muscle; a sports hernia involves tiny tears and weakness in soft tissues, mainly muscles, tendons and fascia. The causes are :
- Muscle imbalance and biomechanical stress
Experts believe that there is an imbalance between the abdominal muscles and hip adductor muscles, which pull the leg inward as per experts This imbalance, excessive strain on the inguinal region, especially the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.
- Repetitive twisting and explosive movements
Sports hernia is caused due to quick repetitive twisting and explosive movements, and sudden bursts of speed, along with powerful movements, are the causes. These movements cause repetitive microtrauma to the soft tissues attaching to the pubic bone, involving tendons, oblique abdominal muscles and hip adductors. This puts repetitive stress on the pubic bone and causes, along with ongoing pain.
- Structural as well as anatomical factors
A deficient posterior inguinal wall, femoroacetabular impingement, can cause a sports hernia as well as pelvic instability.
- Previous injuries and overuse
It is also the cause of people with weaker soft tissues being more prone to this injury. Overuse without any rest leads to microtrauma and which increases the risk of the sportsman’s hernia.
- Poor biomechanics and training errors
Many times, people undergo poor training techniques like inadequate warm-ups, poor flexibility, etc, which contribute to sportsmen’s hernia. You are at risk if you play :
- Ice hockey
- Cricket
- Football
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Hurdling
Symptoms of a sportsman’s Hernia
A sportsman’s hernia causes many symptoms, and athletes are involved in rapid twisting and turning. Symptoms start gradually but can turn more severe with time. Some common signs are :
- Pelvic pain that radiates to the scrotum or thigh
- Shooting pain that can be sharp and intense, a jolt at injury onset and triggers sudden movements.
- Persistent pain is a deep aching discomfort in the groin or lower abdomen and worsens by twisting, sudden movements and is relieved with proper rest.
- Front of hip pain due to hip flexor strain
- A loose hip joint is caused by ligament laxity, prior injury or joint degeneration.
Diagnosis of sports hernia
A sports hernia needs an on-time diagnosis and proper physical examination, along with imaging techniques to assess underlying tissue damage. The doctor will evaluate your condition by :
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
- Bone scan
- MRI
- X Ray
Options for sports hernia treatment
A sports hernia is not the same as a traditional hernia. After proper diagnosis and assessment by an expert doctor, the condition will be treated through a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods. The best treatment for you will be determined according to the severity, and it may range from physical therapy to surgery. The doctor may recommend :
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation in conditions that affect joints, muscles and spine, these drugs offer temporary relief from pain but are temporary.
- Rest
Rest for about 7 to 10 days is advised, and using ice packs can also be helpful.
- Physical therapy
This is also the best treatment option and is typically the primary treatment option for sports hernia, and helps to correct muscle imbalances in the groin and abdomen.
- Steroid injections
These are preferred by the doctor to reduce inflammation and also to give relief from pain for spine, muscle and joint conditions; however, these help in managing the symptoms, their relative use can have side effects.
- Surgical option
Surgery is the last option to treat the condition and is recommended when all other treatments fail. In some cases of sports hernia, cutting of small nerves in the groin during surgery is needed to get relief from pain, and the doctor will discuss it in detail and will decide what is best for you.
Why is Dr Vikas Singhal the best choice for sports hernia treatment?
Dr Vikas Sighal is a well-known GI and Bariatric surgery doctor who offers the best treatment approach for sports hernia. His treatment options range from Physical rehabilitation and pain management to surgery, and he has expertise in performing robotic as well as laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries. He is among the top surgeons in Delhi and Gurgaon and provides best non-surgical and surgical interventions for the same. If there is a need for surgery, he cares and individualises the treatment plan as per the patient’s needs, size of hernia and overall health. He specialises in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries and ensures fast recovery, less discomfort and shorter hospital stays. Book your consultation with him if you seek the best sports hernia treatment. Before choosing the surgical option, Dr Vikas Singhal will recommend all non-surgical options, including pain management and muscle structural rehabilitation.
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