Hernias
When an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in muscle or surrounding tissue walls, the result is a hernia. The common types include inguinal or inner groin, femoral or outer groin, incisional or from surgical incisions, and belly button or umbilical hernias. Hernias are produced from improper weight lifting techniques, straining during bowel movements, carrying excess weight, and chronic sneezing and/or coughing. Although some hernias only cause mild discomfort, a vast majority can cause impingement and need to be surgically repaired.
Inguinal and femoral hernias tend to cause anterior hip and groin pain. Inguinal hernias happen commonly in men and are associated with aging and strain on the abdomen. It happens when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel comes through the top of the groin near the inner thigh. Conversely, femoral hernias affect women more than men and happen when fatty tissue or the bowel pokes through to the groin via the inner thigh.
Another hernia to be aware of is the sports hernia, which cannot be felt or palpated easily. Also referred to as athletic pubalgia, these hernias commonly afflict athletes who participate in football, soccer, wrestling, and ice hockey.
