A hernia is a condition in which part of an internal organ protrudes through a fragile area of muscle tissue, causing an external bulge to form. Any activity that produces a heavy strain on your muscles, such as leg extension exercises, can contribute to a hernia. If you develop a hernia, seek medical attention and discontinue your exercise routine until you receive approval from you doctor to resume your regular workouts.
Leg Extensions
Leg extensions are a type of weighted strength-training exercise. They are designed to strengthen and tone your quadriceps, the group of four muscles located on the front of your thighs. Leg extensions are executed on specialized gym equipment. To perform these exercises, sit on the leg extension machine, legs on the ground with knees bent at a 90-degree angle. A padded bar attached to weights should rest in front of your lower legs, just above feet. Raise and extend your legs straight out in front of you, using your quadriceps to lift the weighted bar. Lower your legs and repeat. The heavy lifting involved in leg extension exercises may cause a femoral hernia.
Femoral Hernias and Heavy Lifting
Heavy lifting is one of a variety of factors that may contribute to the development of femoral hernias. Engaging in strenuous weight-lifting exercise – such as leg extensions – may prompt the formation of a femoral hernia. There are several different types of hernias; a femoral hernia presents itself in the upper part of your inner thigh, near your groin area.
Exercise Safety Guidelines
To help prevent a femoral hernia due to strenuous weight-lifting exercise, follow several safe exercise guidelines. Use caution while lifting weights. Beginners should perform leg extension exercises on a low-weight setting. Over time your muscles will strengthen and you can slowly increase the weight. Do not overdo on repetitions -- pay attention to your body and don't overexert yourself. Consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of a femoral hernia include bulging of the upper inner thigh, nausea, vomiting and pain in the groin or abdomen. Pain from a femoral hernia generally worsens when you stand or lift heavy objects. Do not do leg extension exercises with a hernia. If you experience the symptoms of a femoral hernia, seek immediate medical treatment. Surgery may be required to repair your existing femoral hernia and to help prevent it from getting any larger.
