Sports Hernia Questions

Think You Have a Sports Hernia?

Published April 3, 2017 By William Brown, MD

Warning Signs: It Might Be a Sports Hernia

Pain, bruising and restricted movement are all warning signs of a sports hernia, but are often attributed to other injuries. Sometimes, minor symptoms can seem easy to ignore. But a sports hernia won’t go away on its own, so it’s critical to pay attention to the warning signs and seek treatment early. Don’t delay when it comes to seeking out an expert opinion from a sports hernia specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between a quick return and a season spent on the sidelines.

So, when should you consider seeing a sports hernia specialist? Here are a few warning signs:

Sharp pain. Sports hernias happen when muscles in the lower abdominal area tear. This can cause pain when those muscles are used. The pain is usually sharp, although it can be hard to pinpoint its source. Twisting or quick…

Considering Mesh Repair for a Sports Hernia?

Published March 17, 2017 By William Brown, MD

…We’ve Got Some Recommended Reading For You

While getting a correct sports hernia diagnosis can be difficult, sports hernia repair surgery is more straightforward. There are two types of procedures: traditional open surgery and mesh repair. Using mesh to repair sports hernias is a newer approach that claims to give an advantage over traditional repair methods. Claims is the operative word there.

Before settling on one solution, it’s critical to speak with your sports hernia specialist. Rest and physical therapy, the most common treatments, are not complicated. Sometimes though, surgery is needed to fully repair the muscle tear. Surgery can effectively treat a sports hernia, but it’s important to choose the right approach of the two available.

Mesh repair surgery has grown in popularity in recent years, but popularity doesn’t always translate to results. Surgical mesh is medical-grade material designed for surgical use. While mesh can increase the strength of…

Ho Ho Hum Holidays – Tips to Keep You on the Right Path

Published December 22, 2016 By William Brown, MD

Don’t Let the Holidays Ruin Your Sports Hernia Prevention Techniques or Recovery

Sports hernia prevention. Diet, excercise and restraint.

The holidays are upon us, and along with the season comes music, family and food. The last months of the year are notorious for plates loaded with turkey, ham and stuffing. Did we say pie? When the holidays roll around, things get complicated. Sugary muffins and holiday treats take the place of fruit and oatmeal at breakfast. Potluck work lunches win over salads brought from home. Holiday parties with punches and appetizers can be nearly impossible to avoid. It’s no surprise that even the most diligent among us tend to gain a little bit of weight around the holiday season. What may be surprising is that extra weight also puts your ability to prevent or recover from a sports hernia at risk.

Proper nutrition that comes with eating well brings a whole host of benefits to your body,…

Doctor to Doctor – Sports Hernia Diagnosis

Published October 30, 2016 By William Brown, MD

Dr. Brown’s Approach to a Sports Hernia Diagnosis

Now that you have a patient in the office, what do you do? Be sure to allot sufficient time with the patient, get a good history, and carefully examine the athlete. Often, you will determine the diagnosis without the need for MRI or ultrasound. The correct diagnosis leads to appropriate treatment.

From the patient’s history determine the site of the pain and work from there.

For the athlete who complains of pain near the symphysis pubis (in the middle of the pubic hair above the base of the penis); osteitis pubis is the most likely etiology. This patient is often a distance runner. Many patients report that rolling over in bed is painful. With rest the pain improves. The pain is usually insidious in onset. On physical examination there is usually pain with direct pressure over the symphysis pubis and the edges…

Sports Hernia But Don’t Play Sports?

Published October 18, 2016 By William Brown, MD

A Guide to Sports Hernias for Those Who Don’t Play Sports

sports hernias happen to non atheletes

Even the most avid couch surfers among us are familiar with at least a few common sports injuries. Ones like a torn ACL, a sprained ankle or a bruised bone or two. One that most of us wouldn’t recognize? A sports hernia.

A sports hernia injury happens when the muscles in the groin area tear. Strain and sudden movements place stress on these tissues, and if the movement has enough force, the muscles can and will tear. This can happen with any sport or activity, from professional hockey to moving heavy boxes. The most common causes are twisting and turning movements, extreme pressure or weight, and quick changes in movement or direction.

Sports hernias are both uncommon and difficult to diagnose. The most common symptom is pain. Sports hernia pain may fade with rest and time, but returns when…

Sports Hernia Myths

Published October 5, 2016 By William Brown, MD

Five Common Myths About Sports Hernias

Sports Hernia Myths

Sometimes it’s easy to tell the difference between medical truths and myths, like when a distant aunt sends you an article about the latest cancer-curing berry found on sale on Amazon for an amazing $19.99. Unfortunately, all myths aren’t as easy to spot.

Sports hernias are already complex injuries, with few common symptoms. Even in the medical world, there are few experts who are skilled at diagnosing and treating inguinal disruptions, making even harder to discern fact from fiction. Information that stems from the internet or even your doctor might seem reasonable at face value, but is wrong. To prevent injuries and help speed along your recovery, let’s dispel five of the most common myths about sports hernias.

1. Sports hernia injuries only happen to professional athletes.

Usually when we hear about sports hernias, it’s because our favorite hockey player or pro athlete is…