What is a sports hernia?

A sports hernia is also known as athletic pubalgia which is a medical term for pain in the groin of athletes.  More specifically, a sports hernia is a weakening or tearing in the muscle attachments of the lower abdomen.  The muscle wall there is particularly narrow and susceptible to tears.  A sports hernia does not typically bulge as may be the case with other types of hernias.

The pain from this kind of injury to the abdominal wall usually starts slowly and progresses with activities that require a lot of bending or flexion at the hip.  Any activity that involves repetitive and forceful bending, running, or cutting has the potential to produce these injuries.  Athletes in hockey, soccer, football, rugby, track, and tennis are all sports in which there is an increased risk for sports hernia.  It is also more common in males than females.

Symptoms include achy pain on one side of the abdomen, pain in the groin, pain with sudden movements such as sprinting, kicking, or even coughing and sneezing.  A history of the injury and physical exam can determine if your pain is due to a sports hernia.  Diagnosing sports hernia is often done by ruling out other conditions as it can often be confused with groin pulls, hip injury, or other sports related injuries.

With any treatment course, the longer and more severe your symptoms prior to seeking treatment, the longer the recovery.  The old adage “if it hurts, don’t do it” holds true; this is not a “no pain, no gain” situation.  Conservative treatment primarily involves rest and results obtained are often determined by how well you can avoid aggravating activities.  Healing takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and will likely be longer if you continue to participate in aggravating activities.

Cross-training that involves activities void of bending, cutting, or quick forceful movements can maintain conditioning for sport while avoiding aggravation of the sports hernia.  Alternative activities may include light jogging, elliptical work, or swimming but are dependant on pain.  The decision to return to play is base on your ability to tolerate movements in your sport with out pain.

Additionally, medication as prescribed by your physician and icing 15 minutes a few times a day are both good anti-inflammatory options that can help to decrease pain and tissue irritation.  Physical therapy can assist the athlete with appropriate stretching and strengthening to hasten recovery and prevent its return.

Ongoing groin and abdominal pain is not uncommon and in some cases surgery is necessary to repair the weakened area.  Most athletes can return to activity following surgical intervention.

While a sports hernia can be a nagging issue that sets back participation in your sport, most athletes can expect a return to their sport if the injury is appropriately addressed rather than ignored.

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