A hernia is a weak area in the abdominal wall, which allows a bulging outwards of the abdomen to occur when internal pressure happens such as when running, sneezing or doing sit-ups. Ninety-five percent of people who develop hernias are men with sports hernias being the most common type of hernia male runners will get.
Sports Hernias
Sports hernias, also called sportman's hernias or Gilmore's groin, are most reported by hockey and soccer players but runners are suspectible as well. Sports hernias are similar to inguilgal hernias and to understand what a sports hernia is, you must know about the inguinal canal. The inguinal is a two-inch long passage that carries the spermatic cord and which connects to the torso along the top of the leg. Abdominal muscles, tendons and fascia make up the walls of the inguinal canal. When there is a disruption in muscles, tendons or fascia, that is a sports hernia.
Symptoms
Chronic pain in the hip and groin are symptoms of sports hernias. Most people feel pain only on one side, though you may be part of the 12 percent who have pain on both sides. With time, you might feel pain even in the scrotum, inner thigh or abdomen. Pain from sports hernias likely happens toward the end of a run at first, but then you may feel pain whenever you exercise. It is even possible for the hernia to hurt throughout the course of your day.
Causes
The reason sports hernias occur is unknown but the disruptions in the inguinigal canal that accompany a sports hernia are like what happens before the obvious protrusion of the abdomen associated with hernias occurs. A sports hernia may happen when there is a sudden impact like when you rotate hard, but this is more likely to happen in a sport like hockey. Runners usually develop sports hernias over time and experience a gradual onset of symptoms.
Treatment
With rest, your pain may go away on its own. But likely this will only be temporary. Once you begin an intense running program, pain is likely to return and surgery may be needed. Physical therapy after surgery helps you recover hip strength, flexibility and stabilization. The good news is that surgery is usually successful and in most cases you will be able to return to your same level of running intensity after six to 12 weeks of recovery.
