If you read the sports section of your newspaper or frequent sites like ESPN.com, odds are you’ve heard the term “sports hernia” thrown around when an athlete undergoes surgery. But what is a sports hernia, and how does it differ from a traditional hernia? Today, we take a closer look at the causes and treatment options for sports hernias.
Sports Hernia Diagnosis
The term “sports hernia” is often used by sports columnists, but in the medical community, the condition is usually referred to as “athletic pubalgia.” We’ll use both terms throughout this blog, just know that we’re talking about the same thing.
A sports hernia is a painful injury to the soft tissue that occurs in the groin area. They are generally the result of a forceful twisting motion or a quick and sudden change of direction. A sports hernia can lead to a traditional hernia, but they are actually different injuries. A sports hernia involves a strain or tear to any soft tissue, like a muscle, tendon or ligament in the lower abdomen or groin area. Sports hernia typically occur where the abs and adductors attach at the pubic bone, while traditional hernias occur in the inguinal canal.
As we noted above, athletic pubalgia is often caused by a sudden twisting motion during athletic activities like ice hockey, soccer and football. Symptoms of the condition include:
- Severe pain in the groin area at the time of injury.
- Mild pain relief with rest.
- Shooting discomfort with movement.
Unlike a traditional inguinal hernia, a sports hernia does not typically produce a visible bulge in the area of injury, but pain makes diagnosis rather easy.
Athletic Pubalgia Treatment
Left untreated, a sports hernia can lead to chronic, debilitating pain which can prevent you from resuming athletic activities, so active treatment is recommended. Because the sports hernia isn’t visible to the naked eye, diagnosis if performed with a physical examination and imaging tests. A doctor will perform some resistance or flex tests to see where pain is located, and should there still be any doubt, a doctor may order an X-ray or MRI. An MRI is preferred as it allows the doctor to see the soft tissues, but an X-ray can help rule out other conditions as well.
Nonsurgical treatment of a sports hernia involves rest for 7-10 days. After a period of rest, you may begin physical therapy to improve flexibility and gain strength in the area. You’ll also likely be given anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain. In most cases, 4 to 6 weeks of targeted physical therapy will resolve the issue and allow the athlete to return to sporting activities. If you still feel pain after six weeks, or the injury recurs during activity, you may need surgery.
Sports hernia surgery can be performed in an open or endoscopic manner, but both operations have the same goals. Your doctor will address the herniated tissues and may remove parts of some nerves to desensitize the area. After surgery is complete, your doctor will walk you through a rehab plan, which can range anywhere from 6-12 weeks. The majority of athletes will be able to return to full sporting activities within three months of surgery.
