Dr. Shirin Towfigh reveals possible symptoms that may help identify sports hernias

When playing sports that involve rapid bursts, twists, and movements, a variety of groin injuries, including hernias, can occur. No matter how strong or flexible someone is, their lower abdominal wall can still weaken because of constant or particularly straining rapid movement. Dr. Shirin Towfigh of the Beverly Hills Hernia Center reminds potential hernia patients that unlike some hernias, many sports hernias do not have the external bulging that many people expect to see. Here are several possible symptoms that may help identify a potentially serious injury:

1. Immediate Onset of Pain after Twisting – Sports like tennis or hockey, that require athletes to rapidly twist their body, often result in hernias after the muscles are weakened with rapid overextension. While some groin pain develops slowly over the course of an exercise session, the pain felt from a hernia almost always happens immediately. If you experience this type of immediate pain, you should stop exercising and begin monitoring the pain and the appearance of the affected area.
2. Recurrence of Pain after Initially Subsiding– Often, when a single twisting motion causes a hernia in a weak part of the lower abdominal wall, swelling will occur at the site of the hernia. Yet, many patients find that much of the pain can be relieved and the swelling can be brought down if they cease strenuous activities and begin taking anti-inflammatory drugs. If an injury is simply caused by a pulled muscle, the pain is unlikely to return after the initial pain subsides. With hernias, the abdominal wall will often remain weakened even if the pain has gone away. Chances are, the next time the hernia sufferer engages in the same type of physical activity, the pain will come right back. If you experience this recurrence of pain after seemingly experiencing relief, it is likely that you have a sports hernia.
3. Swelling or Bulging at the Site of the Injury – While not all sports hernias are externally visible, swelling or lumps often do occur, making them easier to diagnose. While swelling can often be caused by something else, a bulge or a lump in the groin region after experiencing this type of pain is almost certainly a hernia, and anyone experiencing this should consult an experienced hernia surgeon like Dr. Towfigh immediately. If you have swelling that is not subsiding at a normal rate, or if it returns in a way like was described above, you should also consult an expert physician.

Athletic activities will always be healthy and beneficial for men and women to take part in. Indeed, exercise is usually a crucial part of a patient's recovery from a hernia but it is always important to keep a keen eye on any sports injuries to make sure they do not worsen.