What is a Hernia?
Hernia and groin problems are common in sports, particularly in football where the pelvic region is subject to large stresses during kicking, sprinting and turning. Two common conditions that affect footballers are an Inguinal Hernia and Gilmore's Groin (also known as a Sports Hernia).
Following sporting activity the person with a sports hernia will be stiff and sore in the groin region. The day after a football match, getting out of bed or a car will be difficult. In the early stages, the person may be able to continue playing their sport, but the problem usually gets progressively worse.
What can you do to prevent a Hernia?
Core Strength and Core Stability exercises can improve muscle function across the trunk and pelvis. This improved muscular strength and stability can help to counteract the large forces that are applied to the lower abdomen and pelvis. This can reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
What should you do if you suffer a Hernia?
Anyone with the signs and symptoms of a hernia should consult a hernia specialist. Because it requires an expert to diagnose a hernia it is not unusual for many weeks or months to pass before the correct diagnosis is made. In those people who have typical hernia symptoms an expert can confirm the diagnosis with physical tests and an ultrasound scan.
In most cases it is usually possible to continue playing football while wearing Warm Pants, until an opportune time can be arranged for surgery. The surgical treatment of hernias has been revolutionised over the past ten years. The world's top hernia surgeons now perform hernia surgery under local anaesthetic. This has greatly accelerated the rehabilitation period.