Sports Hernia

Sports hernia causes

• Sudden twisting or turning movements
• Repetitive stress to the abdominal and groin region
• High-speed sports involving directional changes
• Weak or imbalanced core muscles
• Overtraining or poor biomechanics

Sports hernia risk factors

• Playing sports like soccer, football, or hockey
• Inadequate core or hip strength
• Muscle tightness in the groin or hamstrings
• History of groin strains or abdominal injuries
• Lack of flexibility or poor conditioning

Sports hernia symptoms

• Groin pain during sports or physical activity
• Pain relieved with rest but returns when active
• Tenderness in the lower abdominal area
• No visible hernia bulge
• Difficulty with sprinting, kicking, or twisting

Sports hernia diagnosis

• Physical examination with movement testing
• Review of sports history and symptom patterns
• Imaging such as MRI to identify soft tissue strain or tearing
• Rule out other groin-related conditions

Sports hernia treatment

• Rest and modified activity to reduce strain
• Physical therapy focusing on core and hip strengthening
• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain management
• Surgical repair if pain persists despite rehab
• Gradual return to sport guided by medical supervision

When to seek care

• If pain is severe or persistent in the groin or lower abdomen
• If symptoms return after resuming physical activity
• If discomfort interferes with performance or daily movement
• If there’s no improvement after a few weeks of rest and rehab