Damage to the abdominal wall can occur whenever the muscles in that area experience heavy strain. Whether weight lifting or moving furniture, hernias happen when organs push through a weak point behind the muscle wall and generate a lump. A sports hernia is sometimes difficult to diagnose because the tell-tale bump associated with the inguinal hernia is not present, and the sharp pain gets mistaken for muscle strain.
At Atlantic Surgical Associates, we take the time to diagnose this condition carefully and fully explain your treatment options. Before resorting to surgery, we recommend physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication for three months. If you are still experiencing symptoms, then surgery could be your best option.
What Causes Sports Hernias?
Athletes are very susceptible to this type of hernia, most common in vigorous sports like soccer, wrestling, football, and ice hockey. The overuse of groin muscles while turning at high speeds, repetitive twisting, and other explosive motions injure the lower abdominal area. In some cases, the muscles can pull on the pubic bone and cause bone damage. Most people who experience this injury will have severe pain at the time of the injury that gets better after resting, but which comes back again as soon as they resume activity.
Is Hernia Repair Necessary?
Repairing the abdominal wall and addressing your hernia is essential. The body cannot mend this damage on its own, and without treatment, you are at risk for chronic, disabling pain and further complications that prevent you from resuming sports activities.
The surgery itself is very straightforward, and the advanced technology and techniques used are minimally-invasive with a brief recovery period. Modern robotic instruments decrease the trauma of surgery on your body. Laparoscopic techniques can be used to place mesh and reinforce the muscle wall.
Sometimes, the damaged muscles are on the outer surface of the abdominal wall and require a direct repair. This surgery is used to repair all of the muscles, release affected nerves, and re-attach the abductor muscle.
After surgery, you will need to comply with a rehabilitation plan to regain strength and endurance. Over 90% of patients who have surgery can return to sports activity in 6-12 weeks. There is a possibility that the tissues can tear again and need to be surgically repaired. If the pain continues in the inner thigh after surgery, an adductor tenotomy may need to be done. The tendon attaching the thigh muscles to the pubis is cut so it will heal at a greater length, releasing the tension and restoring a greater range of motion.
At Atlantic Surgical Associates, we are dedicated to resolving your pain and getting you back to an active life again. Dr. Volshteyn has extensive knowledge and experience with sports hernias. He and his skilled team can accurately diagnose your condition, operate, and monitor your progress so you can get back in the game. Contact our West Long Branch or Edison office for expert treatment of sports hernias today!
CALL US: 732-641-3350