Athletic Pubalgia: What Is A Sports Hernia?

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Athletic Pubalgia, most commonly known as sports hernia, is not a type of hernia in its true meaning. An athletic hernia is a soft tissue injury in the groin. The pain and pressure characteristic of sports hernia results from torn tendons attached to the pelvis.  

 Athletic Pubalgia may result from sudden direction changes or intense twisting movements, most common in physical activities, sports, and athletics. Although athletes are at a high risk of incurring athletic pubalgia, this is not to say that only athletes are prone to a sports hernia.  

As a matter of fact, studies have shown that at least 5% of adult athletes experience sports hernias yearly. Men are more likely to develop sports hernia as compared to women. Athletes between the ages of 26-28 are most prone to athletic pubalgia. Subsequently, a sports hernia is extremely rare in older people and children. 

Sports Hernia Causes 

Sports that require repetitive and forceful motions can cause damage or wear out of soft tissue in the lower abdomen or groin. Some of these sports are: 

Sports Hernia Symptoms 

The most common sports hernia symptoms are chronic lower abdominal pain and groin pain. Other than chronic pain, one may also -  

  • Find it hard to put the finger on the exact area of the lower abdomen and groin that the pain is coming from. 
  • Experience the pain radiating down to the scrotum and inner thigh. 
  • Experience discomfort and pain when exerting yourself, especially when sprinting, twisting, kicking, or sitting up. 
  • Feel groin pain when coughing or sneezing. 
  • Excruciating groin pain disappears but comes back during physical activities. 

Sports Hernia vs Inguinal Hernia: What is the difference? 

A sports hernia develops in the same area as an inguinal hernia and, for the most part, mimics the symptoms of an inguinal hernia. However, both conditions are completely different. The inguinal hernia develops when intestine tissue protrudes via a weak spot in the inguinal region. Whereas a sports hernia is a soft tissue injury to the lower abdomen and groin area. 

Subsequently, an inguinal hernia is characterized by a bulge in the groin, but a sports hernia has no bulge. Due to this, diagnosing athletic pubalgia becomes difficult. Interestingly, a sports hernia is not a type of hernia on its own, but it may lead to the development of herniation. 

Sports Hernia Treatment 

Sports hernia limits a person’s ability to function properly and live an active lifestyle. Apparently, untreated athletic pubalgia can worsen the condition more. Sports hernia treatment ensures quick recovery and helps bounce back to the routine. The right treatment for sports hernia can also reduce the chances of it developing into an inguinal hernia. 

Some of the treatment options to curb sports hernia symptoms are -  

3 Best Hernia Belts for Athletic Pubalgia 

A hernia truss belt is wrapped tightly around the abdomen to support the paining area. A hernia belt offers compression to the skin and soft tissues, alleviates pain, reduces swelling, and improves overall healing of the herniated region. 

1. Hermell Sports Hernia Truss Support Belt 

Hermell Inguinal Hernia Truss Support Belt

Hermell Inguinal Hernia Truss is a light truss belt designed for a sports hernia, single or double inguinal hernia. This hernia truss for men is made with breathable fabric with velcro closure to get the right fit for each individual. Additionally, the Hermell hernia support belt does not restrict movement yet offers maximum support and stays invisible under clothing. 

 

2. AT Surgical Groin and Athletic Hernia Truss With Velcro Closure 

AT Surgical Groin and Inguinal Hernia Truss With Velcro Closure

AT Surgical Groin and Inguinal Hernia Truss with Velcro Closure is designed to relieve a reducible inguinal hernia post-surgery in the groin. Inguinal and Groin Hernia Truss is made with a soft pad for gradual pressure and supports the weakened muscles of the groin region with focused compression on the hernia. This FSA-approved inguinal hernia truss will provide the user with the support and comfort needed to maintain an active lifestyle. 

 

3. AT Surgical Athletic Pubalgia Supporter 

AT Surgical Athletic Supporter

Athletic Supporter provides unobtrusive, consistent support for a long day of work or vigorous sports. AT Surgical Athletic Hernia Belt for men with 3 inches elastic waistband and jockstrap is designed to protect, lift, support, and hold the testes against the body. This sports hernia belt prevents strain on the cords and muscles during activity, helping to eliminate discomfort and keep them away from injury. 

 

Doctors often recommend a combination of these therapies. Most patients return to normal activity levels within the next four to six weeks. However, it may take longer for some people to recover.

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