Does an MRI show a sports hernia?

If a diagnosis of a sports hernia or the severity of the injury is not clear, the provider may also order an X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI to look for injuries to the bone, nerves and soft tissue. An MRI is the most effective imaging technique for identifying tears in soft tissue such as tendon, ligament and muscle.

How do you diagnose a sports hernia?

Sports hernias are diagnosed by a combination of your patient history, diagnostic tests, and a physical examination. Recently, MRI tests have been a common way to determine whether one has a sports hernia. MRI tests are the most effective imaging method when it comes to receiving an accurate diagnosis of sports hernia.

What is the best treatment for a sports hernia?

Sports hernia treatment often includes:

  • Rest.
  • Using an ice pack on the area for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a day.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications.
  • If pain persists, surgery is often the next step. During surgery, the lower abdominal muscles and connective tissues are released and reattached.

Can a sports hernia heal without surgery?

Sports hernias can be treated using two different types of treatment: surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical treatments are effective in 90% of sports hernias and may include the following treatments: Rest. Your doctor may recommend halting physical activity for 7 to 10 days to allow the injury to rest and recover.

Can I still run with a sports hernia?

As long as the bulge is not painful or inflamed, there is very little risk for you to continue running. However, if the hernia strangulates, so blood flow to the bowel tissue is compromised, then the hernia becomes an emergency.

Can I play sports with a hernia?

A reducible inguinal hernia is one that will appear when standing or during activities but will fall back into the abdominal cavity with gentile pressure. You are essentially able to push, or “reduce”, the hernia back into the abdomen. If this hernia is small enough, then it is likely ok to continue playing football.

What does a sports hernia feel like?

Symptoms of sports hernia Sudden and severe groin pain at the time of the injury. Groin pain that goes away with rest, but returns during sports activity. Groin pain that is more commonly felt on one side of the groin area only (unilateral), rather than on both sides. Pain that only appears during twisting movements.

Are sports hernias serious?

Over time, a sports hernia may lead to an inguinal hernia, and abdominal organs may press against the weakened soft tissues to form a visible bulge. Without treatment, this injury can result in chronic, disabling pain that prevents you from resuming sports activities.

How long does it take to recover from a sports hernia?

Most people can expect to return to their normal physical activity levels within 4–6 weeks. However, some people who do not see improvement with these treatments may benefit from surgery to repair torn tissues. It can take up to 3 months to recover from surgery for a sports hernia.

What is an athletic hernia?

Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia) A sports hernia is a painful, soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin area. It most often occurs during sports that require sudden changes of direction or intense twisting movements. Although a sports hernia may lead to a traditional, abdominal hernia, it is a different injury.

Can rest heal a sports hernia?

Rest: Taking time off from regular physical activity can help with the healing process. This rest period should last at least a week. Applying ice can help with pain and swelling. Cortisone injection: If pain persists and does not improve with rest, a doctor may suggest this treatment option.

How long can a sports hernia last?

In many cases, 4 to 6 weeks of physical therapy will resolve any pain and allow an athlete to return to sports. If, however, the pain comes back when you resume sports activities, you may need to consider surgery to repair the torn tissues.

What are the signs of sports hernia?

Symptoms of sports hernia. Symptoms of sports hernia may include one or more of the following: Sudden and severe groin pain at the time of the injury. Groin pain that goes away with rest, but returns during sports activity.

How do you repair sports hernia?

Sports hernia repair surgery. The most common surgical procedure for treating sports hernia involves repairing torn groin and lower-abdomen tissues with internal sutures, followed by a 6- to 8-week period of intensive physical rehabilitation to rebuild muscle strength and endurance after surgery.

What exactly is sports hernia?

Sports Hernia. A sports hernia occurs when there is a weakening of the muscles or tendons of the lower abdominal wall.

How is sports hernia different from inguinal hernia?

APS, or sports hernia, results from the lower abdominal muscles or tendons weakening. Sports hernias and inguinal hernias present themselves in the same area-the lower abdomen. However, an inguinal hernia is specific to the inguinal canal, just north of the groin region.