A hernia is the term for a portion of tissue that protrudes from its usual area in the body, such as a portion of intestine that bulges through the abdominal wall. When the body is unable to support the pocket of tissue, it may be necessary to reinforce the area either temporarily or permanently. Many people turn to a hernia belt for this purpose.
A hernia belt is a soft, orthotic device that is commonly shaped like a supportive brief. Though a hernia can occur almost anywhere in body, most hernia belts are designed to provide support to the abdominal (also called inguinal) or scrotal areas. Hernia belts are sometimes called trusses or binders, depending on the types of materials they are made of. Belts may feature buckles, cinches or elasticized fastens, and many come with small, removable cushions so that the user may customize his or her support.
What to Look for
Before you purchase a hernia belt, you should know whether you are looking for an alternative to surgery, or whether you are looking for something to support the area either prior to or following a hernia repair. Because there are a variety of support levels available, you will need to determine what will suit your needs best. A high level of support may be appropriate to contain a more severe hernia, while light support may be all that is necessary for comfort during daily tasks following surgery. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision in this regard.
Be sure to look for a model with removable pads so you can customize the fit to your specific needs. Also, be sure that the hernia belt you are considering is appropriate to your condition, as not all belts provide the same type of support. For instance, you wouldn't want to purchase an abdominal binder if your hernia is located in your groin. Also, take extra time when measuring yourself to determine what size you need, as a belt which is improperly fitted will not provide adequate relief.
Common Pitfalls
A hernia belt may be used as a surgical alternative for some individuals with mild hernias, but it is not intended to provide a cure. In fact, most manufacturers specifically state that the belt is intended for use with reducible hernias only. Only your physician will be able to tell you if yours falls into this category.
Finally, even when wearing a hernia belt that provides adequate and comfortable support, it is still important to avoid abdominal strain. In other words, save the weight lifting competition for after your condition subsides.
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