Hernia

What is a Hernia?

A Hernia can come in three varieties:

Inguinal hernia

A protrusion through the wall of the abdomen will cause the abdomen (belly) to stick out. You will probably notice this as a swelling in the groin area. The majority (eighty percent) of hernias are inguinal. The symptoms are pain in the groin when you exercise or even cough and sneeze.

Femoral hernia

These account for ten percent of hernias they look like a swelling in the upper thigh with symptoms of pain in the groin when you exercise or even cough and sneeze, as stated above.

Abdominal hernia

This will also cause pain to radiate down into the groin. You must visit a professional to confirm if you have a hernia or not. The symptoms are similar to those stated above.

How can the athlete treat this injury?

• It is paramount to visit a sports injury professional and doctor immediately if you suspect a hernia.
• It will not get better through rest.

How can a doctor treat this injury?

• Operate. If the abdominal wall is ruptured it will not get better by resting and surgery will be needed.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat a Hernia and other causes of groin pain.