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Sports Hernia
When a weakening of the tendons and muscles of the lower abdominal wall occurs, a sports hernia may be the result. This part of the abdomen is the same region where an inguinal hernia occurs, called the inguinal canal. When an inguinal hernia occurs, there is sufficient weakening of the abdominal wall to allow a pouch, the hernia, to be felt in either the left or right groin region. With a sports hernia, there is a weakening of the muscles in the same abdominal wall; however, there is no palpable hernia and is usually occurs in the center of the lower abdomen.
Treatment
Other than surgery, there are no sure-fire treatments for sports hernias. However, the first step in the treatment of a sports hernia is always conservative in hopes that the symptoms will resolve on their own accord. Anti-inflammatory medications, resting from all strenuous activity, ice treatments, and controlled physical therapy can all be tried in an effort to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
If these conservative methods of treatment do not relieve the symptoms of a sports hernia, then surgery may have to be considered to repair the weakened area of the abdominal wall. Surgery for a sports hernia usually requires about three to six months for full recovery. Recent studies have determined that approximately 65 percent to 90 percent of all athletes are able to return to their previous activity after surgery for a sports hernia. |
