Spring Soccer and Sports Hernias
Is a Sports Hernia a Hernia?
Spring is in the air, and children are gearing up for spring soccer! Spring soccer, along with other sports that require quick direction changes and sudden movements, means that they are at a greater risk of a “sports hernia”.
Medical experts are steering further away from using the description of a “sports hernia” to diagnose athletic pubalgia. The reason? A “sports hernia” is not a hernia. Although the symptoms and pain the patient describes are very similar to those of a hernia, a physical exam can be used and imaging tests will confirm or rule out whether it is an actual inguinal hernia.
So, What Is the Difference?
An inguinal hernia occurs when a weak area in the abdominal wall allows a part of your intestine or a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity to protrude, causing a bulge. An athletic pubalgia (commonly referred to as a sports hernia) is a condition in which the tendons stretch or tear causing pain and swelling.
I Have Athletic Pubalgia, Now What?
Unlike with an inguinal hernia, you may not need surgery for the condition to resolve. Rest is imperative to healing when you have athletic pubalgia. Following the recommended 4-6 week rest period, physical therapy is used to strengthen your leg muscles and lower abdomen which will help prevent future injuries.
How to Prevent Athletic Pubalgia?
While it is not entirely possible to prevent athletic pubalgia, here are a few ways to reduce the risk.
-Stretching before and after activities
-strength training routine year-round
-partake in CrossFit training to develop proportional muscle development
-work on lower body flexibility
-stopping activity at the first sign of discomfort
Sources
https://sampadocs.com/2020/09/01/ive-heard-about-a-sports-hernia-is-that-a-real-hernia/
https://www.sportshernia.com/prevent-sports-hernia/
Content Contributor: Andrea McMahon