Can You Play Football With a Hernia?

By Prathosh Velpuri

Can You Play Football With a Hernia?

The answer will always depend on the specific hernia, but always consult your physician before deciding to go back out there and play. 

Sports Hernia

Causes

Despite being called a hernia, sports hernia are not actually true hernias. The symptoms are very similar, but sports hernias are due to torn tendons that attach to the pelvis rather than intestinal protrusion that happens when abdominal muscles weaken or separate in an inguinal hernia. Football players can extensively rotate and twist, and the soft tissue that performs these actions can get injured especially near the groin area. Usually, tendons that attach the oblique muscles and thigh muscles to the pubic bone can also get injured or torn. Ligaments in the inguinal canal connecting structures to the inguinal floor can also get injured, usually causing radiation of pain.

Symptoms

·      Severe pain at the moment of injury or excessive twisting movement

·      Difficulty identifying where the pain is coming from 

·      Groin pain when sneezing or coughing

·      Pain disappears but comes back in sports activity

Treatment

The method of treatment for a sports hernia should be carefully considered by your physician by a physical exam for your needs and recovery. In less serious cases, anti-inflammatory medications can be provided with rest and ice. However, many general surgeons and sports medicine specialists will consider surgery from an orthopedic specialist for open surgery to suture torn soft tissue.  

Injury Prevention

Football players can avoid sports hernias by warming up and proper lifting because cold tendons and ligaments are more prone to being injured. Losing weight and a healthy diet can help with overall fitness. Avoid sudden changes to your body by being prepared and excessive twisting movements to prevent injuries. Drinking water and stretching can loosen and hydrate your muscles. 

FAQS

What Is the Difference Between a Sports Hernia and a Hernia?

Normal hernias, or inguinal hernias, can cripple your movement but is usually noticeable with a bulge. Just like an inguinal hernia, sports hernia lets things that go through an opening or structure that are normally not supposed to. Usually, high performance athletes like football players acquire this during play. 

Will a Sports Hernia Heal on Its Own?

Sports hernias usually require treatment in addition to great rest, so they are most likely not healing on their own. A combination of possible surgery through arthroscopy, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications are required. 

How Is a Sports Hernia Diagnosed?

If you suspect to have a sports hernia, your physician will provide a physical examination. If they find tenderness in the inguinal area without a noticeable hernia, your physician will order an X-ray or MRI for verification. 

Who Is at Risk for a Sports Hernia?

Anyone who plays extreme sports involving excessive movements like running, jumping, sudden changes, or twisting jerks. 

Why Are Sports Hernias Controversial and Misunderstood?

Since sports hernias can very much be misdiagnosed and mistreated thusly. Physicians need to be vigilant of their physical exams and provide an effective treatment plan examining the inguinal area. 

When Should You Contact a General Surgeon?

Sports hernias are most indicative and telling at the moment of impact or injury, so please consider calling and seeking help at your earliest convenience.

Conclusion

Sports hernias can be very common in contact sports like football. They are very different from an inguinal hernia in that there is no actual bulge and can sometimes be called a misnomer. Regardless, playing with a sports hernia can be very dangerous as it can induce further pain and injury to the groin muscles and tendons. Seek advice from your physician to avoid exacerbating the hernia.