Introduction
An inguinal hernia is a prolapse of a hernia sac through the inguinal canal or directly through the abdominal wall in the inguinal region. Depending on the location of the hernial orifice, a distinction is made between direct and indirect inguinal hernias. Usually, the hernia sac contains only peritoneum, but parts of the intestine, for example, can also bulge into the hernia sac, which is an indication for surgery, since the tissue can die.
Men are more frequently affected by inguinal hernias than women. They can be congenital or acquired. An inguinal hernia can cause slight, pulling pain or be painless, but often a swelling in the groin area is visible or palpable. An increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity, such as when coughing or going to the toilet, also often causes a feeling of pressure in the area of the hernia sac. In the case of severe pain, intestinal or other organs may be trapped, in which case an examination is urgently required.
Causes
In the area of the inguinal canal the abdominal wall is muscularly rather weakly lined. A congenital inguinal hernia is caused by the fact that the peritoneum has not completely closed embryologically from the inside, so that a hernia sac remains in the inguinal canal. An acquired inguinal hernia can have various causes which have led to the abdominal wall in the inguinal region being too weak. Scarring after an operation, weakness of the connective tissue, overweight or pregnancy are examples. If the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases, such a weakness of the abdominal wall can lead to the formation of an inguinal hernia.
Exercises
An inguinal hernia cannot be treated by training or exercises and therefore cannot regress. Before or after surgical treatment, however, strengthening the abdominal muscles can be useful, as well as a preventive measure in case of existing risk factors. Care should be taken to ensure that the abdominal pressure is not too great and that the exercises do not cause pain.
Starting position: Supine position on a pad, the legs are angled 90° at the knees and hips, the hands are pressed sideways against the knees, the knees do not touch each other and press outwards against the hands Execution
- The hands continue to be pressed against the knees
- The head is lifted
- Hold the position for approx. 30 seconds, repeat 3 times
Starting position: Supine position, the legs are turned up, the hands are lying next to it on the carpet pad Execution:
- The head is lifted, at the same time one leg is stretched forward just above the floor
- Hold the position for approx. 5 seconds, then change the leg
- After about 30 seconds, take a short break and repeat the exercise 3 times
Starting position: Supine position, the legs are bent at knees and hips 90° each, the arms are stretched out and angled 90° from the body on the pad:
- The legs are lowered alternately to the left and right towards the support,
- Held just before the floor for a few seconds, and returned to the center
- Approx. 30 seconds, then a short break, repeat the exercise 3 times
Starting position: forearm support on a support plate Execution:
- Either only the knees or only the feet touch the surface, the rest of the body is held in the air and forms a plane
- Hold for 30-60 seconds, repeat 3 times
