Intestines, or other abdominal parts, protruding through a weakened area or tear in the abdominal wall is known as a hernia. When the hernia is located near the femur bone, or upper portion of the thigh, it is diagnosed as a femoral hernia. A femoral hernia is caused by thin and fragile abdominal walls. The hernia is more common in women than men, according to the National Institutes of Health. Without treatment, hernias will continue to grow and become larger over time. Surgery will place the intestine back into abdomen; to strengthen the abdominal wall a plastic mesh guard is placed where the tear occurred. Only a few symptoms exist when a femoral hernia is present. According to the Mayo Clinic, a hernia may not be discovered until a routine medical exam in preformed.
Visual Inspection
During a visual inspection of the thigh area, there will be a grape-sized lump near the groin. The lump will be tender to the touch. The bulging area is more noticeable when standing up or when coughing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Painful Movement
Bending over or lifting heavy objects will cause discomfort and pain if you have a femoral hernia. You will feel a heavy, dragging feeling near the pubic bone.
Infants and Children
Infants and children can also have femoral hernias, including newborn babies. Look for protruding areas when the child is straining during a bowel movement, is crying or coughing.
Emergency Signs
Discoloration of the hernia bulge---purple, blue or red, can be a sign of strangulation to the intestines. The blood flow has been cut off and circulation is no longer reaching some of the intestinal tissue. The intestines may have become trapped outside of the abdominal cavity. Nausea, vomiting and fever are additional signs of strangulation. The condition is serious and you should seek immediate medical attention.
