Can Hernias Heal Without Surgery

What Is A Sports Hernia

A sports hernia is an injury in the muscles and/or tendons in your lower abdomen or groin that causes chronic pain. People who have a sports hernia can also experience nerve irritation from the injury, which can contribute to the pain and sensitivity of the affected area. The name sports hernia is misleading because there is no actual hernia involved. Healthcare professionals prefer to use the term athletic pubalgia.

A sports hernia most often happens to people who play sports that require sudden changes of direction or severe twisting movements, but you dont have to be playing a sport to get a sports hernia.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Hernia In A Child

Hernias often happen in newborns. But you may not notice a hernia for a few weeks or months after birth.

• Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum.

• Umbilical hernias appear as a bulge or swelling in the bellybutton area.

In both cases, the swelling may be easier to see when your baby cries, coughs, or strains to have a bowel movement. It may get smaller or go away when your baby relaxes. If your child’s healthcare provider pushes gently on this lump when the child is calm and lying down, it will often get smaller. Or it may go back into the belly.

In some cases, the hernia cant be pushed back into the belly. Then the loop of intestine may be stuck in the weak spot of abdominal muscle. When this happens, symptoms may include:

• A full, round belly

• Redness or discoloration near the hernia

If the stuck intestine is not treated, blood supply may be blocked to part of the intestine. This is a medical emergency.

Hernia symptoms may seem like other health problems. Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How Is A Sports Hernia Treated

In general, the goals of sports hernia treatment and rehabilitation are to relieve pain, restore range of motion, restore strength, return function and return to sports and activities. Treatment plans for a sports hernia depend on many factors such as the severity of the injury, your age, your health, and what level of activity you want to return to. Sports hernias can be treated with non-surgical treatment or surgery. If you have a sports hernia, your healthcare provider will most likely have you go through non-surgical treatment first to see if that fixes your sports hernia before turning to surgery.

Types of non-surgical treatment for sports hernias include:

• Rest: Within the first seven to 10 days after the initial injury that caused the sports hernia, rest and ice can help.
• Physical therapy: Two weeks after your injury, your healthcare team may have you do physical therapy. These exercises will help to improve your strength and flexibility in your abdominal and inner thigh muscles.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider may suggest taking this kind of medication for your treatment.
• Corticosteroids: Commonly referred to as steroids, corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory drug. Your healthcare provider may recommend a cortisone injection if standard anti-inflammatory medications are not working.

Don’t Miss: Prayers To St Raphael For Healing

What Are Symptoms Of A Hernia

Symptoms of hernias can vary depending on their location in the body and many hernias do not cause any symptoms.

Groin hernias may not cause symptoms. When symptoms of groin hernias occur, they may include:

• Bulge or lump at the groin
• Heavy or tugging feeling in the groin area
• Dull pain that is aggravated by straining, coughing, lifting, or using muscles near the groin

Most small hiatal hernias cause no symptoms. Moderate sized hiatal hernia symptoms include:

Will A Hernia Go Away On Its Own

If you have a hernia and its causing you pain, you need to get it treated. Hernias will not go away on their own. Learn what treatment options are available from surgeon Dr. Rodney Barker in 60 seconds on this Health Minute.

Interviewer: Will a hernia go away on its own? Dr. Rodney Barker is a hernia expert. So do hernias eventually heal without surgery?

Dr. Barker: No, they don’t. It’s a defect in the abdominal wall. It’s a mechanical issue, and it needs a mechanical fix. Physical therapy, medication won’t do anything for it.

Interviewer: If a person has a hernia, should they go in and get it fixed right away?

Dr. Barker: Not necessarily right away. They should have it checked and make sure that’s what it is and it’s not some other diagnosis. The repair will be a discussion between them and the surgeon as to when it’s most desirable to do it.

Interviewer: And sometimes, if somebody notices a small bump that’s not giving them any problem that’s a hernia, do you ever take a wait-and-see approach?

Dr. Barker: We do. Again, we want to confirm that small bump is a hernia and not an enlarged lymph node or something else. But watchful waiting is an appropriate response.

Don’t Miss: How To Heal From Emotional Abuse

Exercises To Strengthen The Abdomen

A hernia occurs when there is a weakening of tissue around an organ. Hence, to reduce the swelling and discomfort it becomes imperative to strengthen these muscles. There are certain exercises that can strengthen the groin area where the hernia has occurred.

Some of the exercises that can strengthen the abdominal muscles are–Inclined leg lifts-Pillow squeezes for strengthening the muscles-Mini crunches for the abdominal wall-Pool exercises

Also Read:Exercises To Do After Hernia Surgery

Try The Warm Water Fix

Just after waking up in the morning, while you are still in bed, drink a glass of lukewarm or room temperature water. This helps to relax the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm, therefore, bringing down the hernia from opening in the diaphragm.

After drinking a glass of warm water, try the following exercises-

Also Read:Difference between Hiatal Hernia and GERD

Read Also: How To Heal Diastasis Recti

Risks And Benefits For Hernia Repair Without Using Mesh

The surgeon also consider the risks and benefits of using the mesh in repair of the hernia and finally create a customized plan to repair the defect after thorough discussion with patient. There are patients with various types of hernias that could be repaired without using the mesh. For instance, a young athlete with a relatively small abdominal wall hernia and strong surrounding tissue could have a durable primary closure of the hernia defect without usage of a mesh or a woman who suffers a separation of the rectus muscle as well as midline abdominal wall hernia after multiple pregnancies could be repaired with plication of the rectus muscle and primary closure of the hernia defect without a mesh through a lower abdominal wall incision to not only hide the scar tissue but also remove the excess skin with a superior aesthetic result.

Surgical techniques for hernia repair have continued to be refined in hopes of providing a repair with less chance of recurrence, less acute and chronic pain, less complications, faster recovery and better long term quality of life and discussion with a surgeon who has expertise in repairing all types of hernias and is familiar with all methods and techniques of hernia repair would give the patient the best possible options and alternatives to reach the desired goals.

For more information and or to make an appointment with Dr. Iraniha Robotic Surgery Expert please call our office at 646-8444. Thank you

How Can A Hernia Be Prevented

• Maintain ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
• Eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains to avoid constipation.
• Use correct form when lifting weights or heavy objects. Avoid lifting anything that is beyond your ability.
• See a doctor when you are ill with persistent coughs or sneezing.
• Donât smoke, as the habit can lead to coughing that triggers a hernia.

Don’t Miss: Bible Verses On Health And Healing

Types Of Abdominal Hernias That Need Repair

You could have an inguinal hernia, which occurs when part of the small intestine or fat pushes through a weakened area of your lower abdominal wall. Hernias, in general, are common, with more than a million hernia repairs being done in the U.S. each year. Of that number, about 800,000 are inguinal hernias, one of the most frequently performed surgeries across the country. Femoral hernias are included here as they are often repaired the same was as inguinal hernias.

If youre experiencing an issue with your belly button and noticed a bulge or outward bump, you likely have whats called an umbilical hernia, or a result of weakness in the muscles around your navel. These types of hernias can happen to anyone, but theyre most common during and after pregnancy, and in individuals who are overweight.

Other hernias that require repair include epigastric and ventral hernias, sometimes referred to as incisional hernias because they can form at the healed site of past surgical incisions where the abdominal wall layers are weakened or thin. Hiatal hernias are a type of internal hernia that affects peoples digestion and require specialty care.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Sports Hernia

The main symptom of a sports hernia is ongoing pain in your lower abdomen and/or groin. The following descriptions and situations of the pain more specifically apply to a sports hernia:

• You experience sudden and intense pain at the time of the injury.
• The pain is ongoing and feels dull or burning.
• Its difficult to pinpoint the exact area of the lower abdomen and groin that the pain is coming from.
• The pain radiates downward to your scrotum and/or inner thigh.
• You feel pain when youre exerting yourself, especially when sprinting, twisting, kicking or sitting up.
• You feel pain in your groin when you cough or sneeze.
• You have to stop participating in your sport or significantly cut back on your physical activity because of the pain.
• The pain may go away after youve rested, but it comes back during sports activities.

You May Like: Books On Self Love And Healing

Tips To Temporarily Relieve Hernia Pain:

Some hernias require immediate surgery, but depending on the type of hernia you have and its severity, there are some home treatment options and measures you can take to relieve hernia pain temporarily until you can be treated by an experienced hernia surgeon. Here are some tips we recommend:

Avoid lifting heavy objects, and strenuous exercise or activity. These activities may result in increased pressure and strain that could worsen your hernia. Stick to light and low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. And listen to your body if an exercise or activity is causing discomfort, avoid it until you can seek treatment.

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can exacerbate hernia pain. If you have a hernia and youre overweight, shedding a few extra pounds may improve hernia symptoms and can help you avoid complications such as strangulation.

Modify your diet. Diet can play a big role in controlling hernia symptoms. This is especially true for those with Hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach bulges upward through an opening in the diaphragm. Avoiding foods high in acidity as well as others associated with heartburn and indigestion can also help. Additionally, eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that may cause constipation can also provide relief for other types of hernias.

Use an ice pack. If you have a hernia in the abdomen or groin, applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Can I Prevent A Sports Hernia

Sports hernias can be difficult to prevent because of the stress and strain placed on the pelvis and hips in certain sports. Your healthcare team may recommend a sports hernia prevention program if you are at high risk for a core muscle or tendon injury due to the type of sport you play. A sports hernia prevention program may include:

• Abdominal and core strengthening exercises.
• Exercises to strengthen the hip muscles.
• Exercises to improve flexibility and minimize strain across the lower abdominal area where core muscle injuries often occur.

Don’t Miss: 700 Club Prayer For Healing

Signs And Symptoms Of Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia will look like a small bulge on the belly button. The bulge slowly increases with time. The lump is noticeable when you are crying, laughing, or coughing. It shrinks when you are in a relaxed position.

It is painful for adults and creates discomfort when the bulge increases. However, an umbilical hernia is not usually painful in infants and children.

Have queries or concern ?

What Is The Difference Between A Sports Hernia And A Hernia

Despite its name, a sports hernia is not actually a hernia. Healthcare professionals prefer to call a sports hernia athletic pubalgia. Although a hernia and a sports hernia symptoms are similar, the pain of a sports hernia is caused by soft tissue damage, such as a tear, in the lower abdomen or groin. A muscle or tendon is usually torn. The pain from a hernia is due to a gap in your abdominal muscle that causes your intestine or other soft tissue to protrude through, creating a bulge under the skin.

A sports hernia can lead to a hernia, but in that case, the traditional hernia is considered a separate injury from the athletic pubalgia.

Recommended Reading: Best Ointment For Healing Wounds

Can Hernia Heal On Its Own Without Surgery

Ruchi 0

There are many types of Hernia in that one type is a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is mainly found near stomach and heart. This disease is connected to the digestive system. Mainly Major diseases are all connected to the digestive system.

Todays lifestyle is the main reason for the flu that is been spread around us, because of which new flu are entering in our world. Hiatal Hernia is mainly due to the pressure on the muscle near stomach and chest. The pressure that goes from stomach to chest for eg: while vomiting the pressure that moves from stomach to mouth can lead to Hernia.

What Is An Epigastric Hernia

An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between your belly button and sternum which can cause pain.

Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.

In an epigastric hernia, fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen between your belly button and sternum and forms a lump. The most common symptom is pain caused by the fat being pinched by your abdominal wall.

You May Like: Jergens Ultra Healing Body Balm

Understanding Hernia: The Basics

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue is squeezed through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia. The most common hernia is inguinal hernia. It occurs when there is a breakthrough in the abdominal wall from the lower part of the intestine. This could happen from a pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall or when excessive pressure is applied on it by strenuous activity, constipation, lifting heavy objects or strain and chronic coughing. It may not necessarily be dangerous or life-threatening but needs timely treatment to avoid further complications in the future.

Going by the stats, one in ten people are diagnosed with hernia in their lifetime. There is more than one type of hernia. The usually suggested treatment for it is surgery with a recovery period of six to eight weeks. But it is totally up to you to avoid that and look for alternate options if the symptoms are not very prominent and dont bother you much.

Also Read:

Top 10 Remedies That Can Cure Inguinal Hernia Without Surgery

People with an inguinal hernia have to live with a whole world of pain. The bulge and the associated pain can become an obstacle in the daily life of the individual. A majority of people skip the option of surgery for the fear of any mishap that might follow.

Also read:Life-saving facts about inguinal hernia

This might sound bizarre but yes, inguinal hernia treatment without surgery is actually possible. Simple lifestyle changes, exercise, and some natural remedies can help in getting relief from the symptoms of a hernia.

Some of the remedies that can skip the hassle and pain of undergoing a hernia repair are discussed below-

You May Like: How To Heal Damaged Skin

How Is A Sports Hernia Diagnosed

Sports hernias can be difficult to diagnose because many conditions and injuries can cause pain in your groin area, such as hip-joint osteoarthrosis, rectal or testicular pain, or a fracture of the pelvis. In addition, you can feel pain in your groin area from injuries that originate in other parts of your body such as your leg. This is known as referred pain. It happens because you have many nerves in your groin area that extend to other areas.

To diagnose a sports hernia, your healthcare provider will do a thorough examination of your symptoms and history and perform a physical exam. They may also have you undergo imaging procedures to either confirm athletic pubalgia or rule out other possible injuries.

What Are The Risks Involved After Surgery

Though umbilical hernia surgery is very common and safe, still there are a few complications faced by different patients either after or during the operation. Excessive bleeding, developing a blood clot, deep vein thrombosis, or infection in the operated area are the few common complications faced after the surgery.

The risks involved after the surgery differ from person to person. Here are some of the common risks faced by different people after surgery.

• Pain in the lower abdomen for many months.
• Injury to internal organs
• Re-occurance of hernia

If the surgery performed is keyhole surgery, there is a high chance of the other organs getting damaged. Hence it is recommended to perform other related surgeries to repair the damage and re-occurrence of umbilical hernia.

Also Check: The Healing At The Pool Of Bethesda