What does a sports hernia feel like?

The most common symptom of a sports hernia is intense pain in your lower abdomen or groin when the injury occurs. A sports hernia is often painful enough to force you to stop your activity. Pain may disappear with rest, but it typically returns when you go back to playing.

Where do sports hernias hurt?

A sports hernia will usually cause severe pain in the groin area at the time of the injury. The pain typically gets better with rest, but comes back when you return to sports activity, especially with twisting movements.

What can be mistaken for a sports hernia?

There are several different kinds of groin injuries that can be mistaken for sports hernias, including: Stress fractures. The pubic bone can suffer stress fracture because of repetitive impact. Inguinal hernia.

Can a sports hernia heal itself?

Do sports hernias heal on their own? A sports hernia usually requires formal treatment other than rest, so it is unlikely that a sports hernia will heal on its own. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and/or corticosteroids are often needed to treat a sports hernia. In some cases, surgery is needed.

How long does it take a sports hernia to heal?

Most people can expect to return to their normal physical activity levels within 4–6 weeks. However, some people who do not see improvement with these treatments may benefit from surgery to repair torn tissues. It can take up to 3 months to recover from surgery for a sports hernia.

Sports Hernia Diagnosis Self Test

How do I check myself for a hernia?

What happens if a sports hernia goes untreated?

"If there is a discrepancy between the strength of the major core muscles, specifically, the rectus abdominis, and the upper thigh musculature there will be excessive strain on the pubic bone which can result in inflammation and/or tearing of the muscles that insert on the pubic bone." says Dr. Krpata.

Is it a hernia or pulled muscle?

When someone experiences a pulled abdominal muscle, there can be inflammation and some swelling, but generally no physically-identifiable marker. A hernia usually causes a noticeable bulge on the surface of the abdomen. This bulge can be painless but change in size with exertion.

Are sports hernia visible?

Traditional hernias often have a visible bulge where soft tissue protrudes through the muscle wall, but sports hernias do not.

How do I know if I have a hernia or groin strain?

Feelings of dull aching and pain in the groin area are common for both a muscle strain and a hernia. A key indicator that you may have a hernia, however, is if you have a small bulge, lump, or bump on one side of the groin. This is the result of an area of tissue or organ pushing through the groin or abdominal muscle.

Does a hernia always bulge?

Many experts agree that women are likely underdiagnosed for this condition because they tend to have different symptoms than men. Women may not have a noticeable bulge. If symptoms indicate a possible hernia but your doctor cannot confirm it by an exam, an MRI can provide definitive evidence.

How do you treat a sports hernia at home?

Does hernia pain come and go?

Hernia symptoms often vary from patient to patient. The most common complaints are pain/discomfort and a bulge or swelling at the site of the hernia. The bulge may be persistent or may go away. It may get bigger over time.

Do hernias feel like a bruise?

It feels like a bruise. It's a knot in my muscle. I can push on my lump and it disappears. Hernia symptoms vary by patient but almost always include a visible lump.

What percentage of sports hernias require surgery?

Comparing all our patients that have sports hernias, only 15 percent of sports hernia patients undergo hernia repair, whereas 85 percent do not undergo hernia surgery.

Does a hernia hurt to touch?

Hernias could cause abdominal pain

The area may be sensitive to the touch, even if you don't have a noticeable hernia bulge. Pain can feel like a burning or aching sensation, which may get worse with strain.

Can a pulled muscle mimic a hernia?

A pulled abdominal muscle can sometimes feel similar to a hernia. A hernia is a bulge in the section of the abdomen when tissue, fat, or a part of the small intestines, expands through a weakened part of the abdomen.

What does hernia in groin feel like?

A burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting. A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin. Weakness or pressure in your groin.

Do hernias hurt when lying down?

Many hernias flatten when patient lies down. Patients also can present with groin discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse by bending or lifting. These symptoms tend to be relieved at night when patients are lying down and the hernia reduces.

What triggers hernia pain?

Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia, including: Lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles. Diarrhea or constipation. Persistent coughing or sneezing.

How long can a hernia go untreated?

If this condition is left untreated longer than 6 hours, incarcerated hernia can cut off blood flow to part of the intestine, resulting in strangulated hernia.

Does massaging a hernia help?

Most inguinal hernias can be pushed back into the belly with gentle massage and pressure. An inguinal hernia will not heal on its own. If you have symptoms, or the hernia is growing, you may need surgery.

Can you massage a sports hernia?

Manual therapy

Minor cases of sports hernia can be resolved by assisted healing provided through soft tissue massages. Some athletes wear compression pants and continue playing with their injury. Eventually the injured muscles heal themselves.

What is the fastest way to relieve hernia pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve discomfort associated with an inguinal hernia. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or naproxen can be taken, depending on individual preference. 3. Call as soon as possible for a follow-up appointment with your personal/referral surgeon.

Are hernias hard lumps?

It most often feels soft, but it may be firm depending on its underlying cause. In most cases, a lump is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia is when the abdominal cavity structures push through a weakness in your abdominal wall muscles. Usually, this can be easily corrected with surgery.