Winter sports are a great way to make the most of the colder weather. Whether you love to ski, snowboard, or head out on the ice rink, there are lots of fun activities you can do this festive season. However, before you hit the slopes, did you know that some winter sports can cause a hernia?
Here, we will look at the winter sports that can cause a hernia and how you can prevent them. You will also learn more about how they can be diagnosed and treated.
Which types of winter sports can cause a hernia?
Pretty much all sports in winter can be potentially hazardous. However, some are known to have an increased hernia risk than others. The main activities and sports to be wary of this winter include:
- Skiing or snowboarding
- Snow shovelling
- Ice skating
- Walking
Whether you are jetting off on the slopes or you are heading to an indoor skiing centre, you’re going to need to be careful if you want to avoid a hernia. Falling while skiing or snowboarding can sometimes cause a hernia. This is because the legs are strapped into the skis or board, which causes extra pressure to be placed on the abdominals and groin when a fall occurs.
You don’t even need to be doing anything extreme to get a hernia this winter. Some patients develop a hernia after shovelling snow from their driveway. The strain placed onto the core while shovelling can cause a hernia.
It is always a good idea to stretch and warm-up before attempting any strenuous exercise. Also, avoid trying to shovel up too much snow at one time. Keep the shovel as light as possible to avoid placing too much pressure on the groin and abdomen.
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities for families. However, it is a strenuous activity for the body. If you pivot or turn wrong, it could cause a hernia to develop. If you fall, that can also trigger a hernia. Similarly, walking on ice poses a risk of falls, making it important to wear the right footwear and be extra vigilant while out.
Treating a sports hernia
Treatment for a sports hernia will depend upon its location and severity. If you have a mild hernia, you may just need to rest for a short period. However, most hernias do need to be treated as they don’t tend to go away by themselves.
In severe cases, the best form of treatment for a sports hernia is surgery. There are a couple of ways to carry out the procedure including endoscopic and open techniques. Mr Woodward can run through your options to determine which is right for you.
If you develop a hernia this winter, book a consultation with Mr Woodward. The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely you will be to suffer any serious complications.
