Also known as “Athletic pubalgia” or “Gilmore’s groin” a Sports Hernia is an often painful, soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin area. Commonly confused with a traditional abdominal hernia, when the contents inside your abdomen push through a weakness in your abdominal wall, a sports hernia is a strain or tear of any soft tissue (muscle, tendon or ligament) in the lower abdomen or groin area. It often occurs when playing high intensity sports that involve rigorous movement and direction changes.
At London Hernia our renowned Consultants have a wealth of experience treating sports hernias in both professional athletes and those who play sport purely for pleasure.
Mr Romi Navaratnam, Mr Majid Hashemi , Mr Paul Ziprin and Mr Syed Tahir Hussain are all sports hernia specialists.
Sports hernia causes
A Sports hernia is a common injury that often occurs during high intensity sports where a great deal of stress and strain is placed on the groin and pelvic area. It’s is commonly associated with sports such as football and rugby as they involve a lot of twisting, turning and kicking movements.
Sports hernia symptoms
For many patients it can be difficult to name the exact location of the pain if they are suffering from a Sports Hernia
Common symptoms include:
- Pain can felt in the groin region, usually in the adductor muscle, but can also be felt in the testicles in some instances.
- Pain during movements and exercise, especially when twisting and turning.
- Pain in the groin area that increases following sporting activity.
- Feeling stiff and sore following sporting activities
Initially someone suffering from a Sports Hernia may be able to continue playing sport but over time it may get progressively worse and require treatment.
How to treat Sports Hernia
A Sports Hernia can be treated using both surgical and non-surgical surgical methods.
Non-surgical treatments generally involve a period of rest that is followed by a physical therapy regime. Doctors may then prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling and pain.
Sports Hernia Surgery to repair damaged tissues in the groin can be carried out using either the traditional, open procedure, or as an endoscopic procedure. In an endoscopy, the surgeon inserts an endoscope (a small camera) through small incisions to treat the affected area. In some cases the surgeon may have to cut a small nerve in the groin (inguinal nerve) during surgery to relieve a patient’s pain. This procedure is called an inquinal neurectomy.
Your doctor will discuss the surgical procedure that best meets your needs.
Contact the Hernia Clinic
The Hernia Clinic are specialists in treating sports hernia with Mr Romi Navaratnam, Mr Majid Hashemi , Mr Paul Ziprin and Mr Syed Tahir Hussain all able to provide expert advice and treatment on the condition. To ask a question or book an appointment you can contact us on 020 3370 1014 or email us at [email protected].
