Best Practice Case Studies-Athletic Pubalgia

Pdf Summary

Athletic pubalgia, often referred to as "sportsman’s hernia" or "hockey groin," manifests as pain in the groin area experienced by athletes, particularly in sports such as soccer, hockey, rugby, and football which involve running, twisting, or kicking. It can be caused by various conditions, including tendon strains, nerve injuries, joint issues, and true hernias.<br /><br />Symptoms primarily include groin pain which can radiate to the stomach or thigh and worsens with activities like running, kicking, or twisting. Evaluation by a sports medicine physician may reveal tenderness and pain during certain hip movements. Diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds can identify soft tissue injuries or hernias.<br /><br />Treatment focuses initially on avoiding painful activities and engaging in specific exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Non-surgical treatments include the use of ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, tendon injuries may require injections, and more severe conditions like hernias may necessitate surgical intervention.<br /><br />Prevention can be challenging due to the lack of a single known cause for athletic pubalgia. However, emphasis is placed on strengthening the hip adductors and abductors, core conditioning, and avoiding playing through pain.<br /><br />Recovery and return to sport require athletes to achieve adequate hip range of motion and strength. Rehabilitation without surgery might take up to 12 weeks, whereas recovery from surgery could range from 4 weeks to 6 months.<br /><br />The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) is a resource involving sports medicine physicians, many of whom serve as team physicians across various sports levels, offering comprehensive care for athletes. More information can be found at www.amssm.org.

Meta Tag

Edition 2nd Edition

Related Case 2nd Edition, CASE 53

Topic Thigh

Keywords

2nd Edition, CASE 53

2nd Edition

Thigh

athletic pubalgia

sportsman's hernia

hockey groin

groin pain

sports medicine

diagnostic imaging

non-surgical treatments

surgical intervention

hip strength

AMSSM