The most common symptom that is experienced with a sports hernia is inguinal groin pain with activity. This area is located on the lower abdomen, just above the crease created by the thigh and abdomen in the sitting position. Often there is no pain when at rest or doing non-strenuous activity; however, the pain will occur with intense, heavy, or explosive activity necessary for competitive sports. The pain can vary in nature and severity, and can be described as sharp, stabbing, dull, or achy to name a few.
The pain can also occur with:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sit-ups
- Planking
- Squats
- Sprinting
- Lunging
In acute injuries, there is often bruising in the area from a tear in the muscle or tendon of the lower abdomen.
In more chronic cases, there is often no significant finding, other than inguinal pain on exam.
Sports that require frequent bending, twisting, and turning at speed - such as hockey, soccer, rugby, football, and field hockey - can lead to the problem. Patients will report pain in the lower abdomen and groin that is worsened with sudden twisting or turning. Many will even describe a tearing sensation.