Sports Hernias Are Often Misdiagnosed

Did you know that there’s a type of hernia that is specific to athletes and active people? Athletic pubalgia, more commonly known as a sports hernia, can be caused by the repetitive turning, twisting, and fast movements that come with tennis, basketball, wrestling, football, hockey, soccer, and even simple running. It develops when a tendon, a muscle, or a ligament is ripped.

If you’ve never heard of a sports hernia, you’re not alone. Many people haven’t, and it’s actually often misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle, a torn ligament, hypertension, a sprain, or even old age. But even though they are often misdiagnosed, sports hernias are common—and serious.

The pain that comes with one can affect the lower abdomen, groin, thigh, and the testicles, and it can make playing sports and engaging in activities very difficult. You may be able to feel it when you…