A sports hernia, also called an athletic pubalgia, is a tear in the muscles of the lower abdomen, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Men get sports hernias more often than women. A sports hernia can begin slowly but can progress as the tissues tear or become more inflamed. The University of Michigan explains that hernias can be caused by tight or strong hip flexor muscles that tilt the pelvis forward, causing extreme stretching in the lower abdominal muscles. Sports hernias have several symptoms, including pain.
Pain
The University of Michigan reports that lower abdominal pain or pain in one side of the lower abdomen are the most common symptoms of a sports hernia. Just below the abdomen, the thigh adductors, hip flexors and many other joints and muscles may be involved in the pain from a sports hernia, explains Jefferson Medical College. The anatomy of a sports hernia is more complex than the name implies, because of the numerous body parts involved.
Groin pain can be part of a sports hernia. The Mayo Clinic defines groin pain as discomfort occurring in the area where the upper thigh and lower abdomen meet. This type of pain is most common in men. The Mayo Clinic says groin pain might occur immediately after an injury or it could come and go over time.
Symptom Characteristics
Jefferson Medical College says that for many patients, pain from a sports hernia can be chronic, or it might come and go over several weeks, months or years. The pain can be aggravated by repeated use of the affected tissues; Jefferson Medical College explains that continued physical activity can increase the damage to the tissues. The Mayo Clinic states that sports hernias are difficult to diagnose, because they do not have the usual symptoms of other hernias.
Pain Worsening
Sports hernia pain can increase with sudden movements. The University of Michigan warns against sprinting or kicking, as these motions can worsen the pain. Coughing or sneezing also can bring added discomfort.
