A hernia occurs when abdominal contents, typically the small intestine, come through a weak spot in a muscular wall. In the case of a femoral hernia, it occurs when abdominal contents come through the femoral canal, causing a bulge in the upper thigh close to the groin. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, approximately 10 percent of hernias are femoral hernias. Exercising with a femoral hernia can cause pain and may aggravate the condition, possibly making it worse.
Causes and Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, femoral hernias occur most often in women. Causes include having chronic constipation, experiencing frequent and chronic coughing, being severely overweight or obese and lifting heavy objects associated with everyday tasks or exercise. This type of hernia often causes no symptoms, though there may be a bulge next to your groin and you may feel pain when you exercise, depending on how you move. A strangulation or complete intestinal blockage may produce abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and is a medical emergency.
Treatment
The only way to treat a hernia is to see a doctor for possible surgery. Rest won't help and a hernia doesn't get better on its own, even if you avoid exercise for a few days. The Sports Injury Clinic indicates that femoral hernias are associated with a higher risk of strangulation, so they require surgery as quickly as possible. Surgery usually involves plastic mesh that is placed over the weak spot in the abdominal wall.
Exercise
You should avoid exercise until a femoral hernia is repaired so it doesn't get worse, stresses Dr. Kevin Petersen, founder of No Insurance Surgery, Inc. Exercises that emphasize the abdominal muscles are especially bad because they can strain a hernia and cause it to rapidly get bigger. Exercise can also cause a strangulation, which you are already at higher risk for with a femoral hernia. No exercise is safe, but swimming and walking are types of exercise that cause fewer problems.
Prevention
To prevent a femoral hernia from occurring or getting worse, lose weight if necessary and eat a diet high in fiber and drink enough fluids to prevent constipation. Learn the proper way to lift objects. For example, if you lift weights, ask a fitness expert or trainer to teach you proper lifting technique. Finally, consult your doctor promptly if you suspect the development of a femoral hernia to prevent it from getting worse.
