Athletic Pubalgia, commonly known as a Sports Hernia, arises from overuse injury, particularly affecting the muscles and tendons in the lower abdomen or groin area. This condition frequently afflicts athletes engaged in sports like soccer, hockey, football, and tennis.
Sports hernia involves soft tissue damage caused by muscle tears or stretching, often occurring during activities involving twisting, overextension, improper jump landings, or sudden changes in movement speed or direction.
A predominant symptom is persistent, debilitating pain in the lower abdomen or groin area, exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest. Notably, there is no apparent bulge or swelling under the skin associated with sports hernia.
Diagnosis relies on the patient’s medical history, a thorough physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including MRI scans, aimed at ruling out alternative sources of pain.
Treatment options vary based on injury severity and include:
Non-surgical approaches:
- Rest: Avoidance of activities exacerbating symptoms.
- Ice application: Helps alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Medication: NSAIDs may be prescribed to manage discomfort.
- Physical therapy: Exercises targeting muscle strength and flexibility improvement.
Surgical intervention becomes necessary when conservative measures fail to alleviate symptoms. Surgeons may opt for arthroscopic or traditional open techniques to repair damaged muscles or tendons in the lower abdomen or groin area.