Top 10 Symptoms of Sports Hernia You Shouldn't Ignore

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Sep 19, 2024

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A sports hernia, also known as athletic pubalgia, is a common injury among athletes, especially those involved in sports that require repetitive twisting, turning, and leg movements. This condition arises when there is extreme strain on the lower abdominal muscles, leading to a tear or weakening of the muscles, causing pain in the groin area. Despite the name, a sports hernia does not always lead to the typical bulging associated with other types of hernias, making it harder to diagnose. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of a sports hernia so you can better recognize and address it.

Pain in the Groin Area During Activity

The hallmark symptom of a sports hernia is sharp pain in the groin area during physical activity. This pain is a result of the tear or lesion in the lower abdominal muscles. You’ll often feel it flare up during intense exercises like running, twisting, or turning. However, this type of pain isn’t usually as chronic or consistent as that of a traditional hernia.

If you notice the pain relapsing during everyday movements, such as getting out of the car or planting your foot on the ground, it might be time to rest and seek medical advice. Avoiding intense physical activity can prevent further damage and reduce the risk of developing long-term complications.

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Pain During Sit-Ups or Abdominal Exercises

Struggling with sit-ups or other abdominal exercises? If you find that doing sit-ups triggers sharp pain in your lower abdomen, it could be a sign of a sports hernia. Since the injury specifically affects the lower abdominal muscles, exercises that engage this area tend to exacerbate the pain.

To avoid worsening the injury, try alternative workouts like side planks or single-arm weighted carries, which provide a core workout without the strain of sit-ups.

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Lower Abdominal and Testicular Pain

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Pain When Sneezing or Coughing

If sneezing or coughing results in a sudden, sharp pain in your groin, you might be dealing with a sports hernia. These everyday actions can put additional pressure on the weakened abdominal muscles, leading to discomfort.

While sneezing and coughing are often linked to other health concerns like colds, managing those conditions can help reduce the frequency of these painful episodes.

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Long-Term, Persistent Pain

If you've been dealing with persistent pain in your groin area for months without improvement, it's possible that you’re suffering from a sports hernia. Ignoring this kind of pain can lead to more severe issues, including a chronic hernia that could keep you from engaging in sports for good.

Seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Painkillers can only provide temporary relief, and without treatment, the condition could worsen.

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Localized Tenderness in the Groin

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Lack of a Groin Bulge

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Referred Pain to the Upper Thigh

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Difficulty Pinpointing the Source of Pain

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Gradual Onset of Pain Over Time

Unlike other injuries that happen suddenly, sports hernias tend to develop gradually. You might notice mild discomfort at first, but over time, the pain can worsen to the point where it interferes with your ability to participate in physical activities. For athletes, especially runners, the symptoms may take months to fully manifest. Ignoring early signs can lead to more severe injuries like an inguinal hernia.

If you suspect you’re dealing with a sports hernia, seek medical advice to determine the best course of treatment. Early intervention can prevent the injury from progressing and keep you active in your sport.

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