Causes and risk factors
Athletic pubalgia occurs as a result of a muscular injury that affects the region where abdominal muscles join to form the inguinal ring. The condition occurs when there is injury to the tendon that attaches the lower abdominal muscles and thigh muscle to the pubic bone. It can also be due to a soft tissue injury near the pubic symphysis. The groin area is at extreme risk of chronic overuse injury caused during sports activities, specifically while playing hockey, soccer, football, or rugby. Other causes are age-related weaknesses resulting from degeneration in muscles and bones, obesity, congenital defects in groin area, history of previous surgery in the groin region.
Clinical presentation
Patient complains of intense pain in the groin area at the time of the injury. The pain typically gets better with rest, but comes back when you return to sports activity. Pain occurs in the groin with twisting, turning, running, and sprinting. Stiffness and tenderness is also experienced by an athlete after training. Groin pain is experienced while sneezing and coughing. A sports hernia does not cause a visible bulge in the groin like inguinal hernia does.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI of the pelvis.
Treatment
Rest is advised for a few weeks to months depending upon the severity. Application of ice to the affected area and compression of the affected area will help in managing the condition. Medication like analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs are required. Physiotherapy may be required which will contribute further to the treatment. Surgery is performed only when conservative treatments fail to work appropriately. Surgery to repair the torn tissues in the groin can be done as a traditional, open procedure or as an endoscopic procedure.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating athletic pubalgia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating athletic pubalgia.
