Javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra has been battling an inguinal hernia, a condition that causes a bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone.
Indian elite athlete Neeraj Chopra is likely to undergo surgery to treat a long-standing groin injury that plagued him in the men’s javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics last week. According to media reports, the sports superstar has been considering going under the knife for the past few months and now the best doctors have been identified for the same.
Neeraj won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Olympics, finishing behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem at the Stade de France. Neeraj’s coaching team is also prepared for a major change.
What caused Neeraj’s groin injury?
Neeraj has been battling a hernia that has caused him pain in his groin. The 26-year-old javelin superstar has spoken to the media in detail about how he kept delaying the surgery to ensure he has the best chance of competing at the Paris Olympics.
Also known as an inguinal hernia, this condition causes a bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone, which becomes more noticeable when you are standing, especially if you cough or strain. It causes recurring pain and discomfort in the groin, especially when bending, coughing or lifting objects.
Neeraj revealed after the Olympic final that he was advised to undergo surgery last year. “I have already thrown 89.94 metres (in 2022) with this injury. When I throw, I always focus almost 50 per cent on my injury. We have to focus mainly on technique but it is really difficult for me with this injury,” he told reporters. “Doctors told me to undergo surgery last year. I have been trying hard till now. There have been treatments since then. But we will have to take a big decision,” he added.
What is an inguinal hernia and how does it affect the groin area?
According to doctors, inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and occur when abdominal tissue, such as abdominal fat or a loop of intestine, protrudes through an opening in the lower abdominal wall. This is the wall that separates the abdomen from the groin.
Inguinal hernias occur in the inguinal canal, which is a passage that runs along both sides of the pelvis to the sexual organs. They are also called groin hernias. Doctors say that inguinal hernias usually affect men at a ratio of 10:1. The area just below the abdominal wall, where the testicle passes, is most susceptible to a hernia because it is a pre-existing opening, which is more easily reopened.
Statistics say that up to 75 percent of all hernias are inguinal hernias and are more common in middle-aged and older men.
How serious is an inguinal hernia?
Doctors say that while hernias are not always serious, they can lead to some complications as the condition worsens over time. As the opening weakens and widens, more tissue pushes through and becomes trapped. This can be painful and, in extreme cases, dangerous, as it can block the intestines and cut off the blood supply.
According to experts, most inguinal hernias become symptomatic over time.
What causes inguinal hernia??
The Cleveland Clinic says an inguinal hernia can be caused by several factors, including:
- An opening or weak spot that is present at birth.
- Congenital differences in connective tissue strength
- An opening or weak spot from previous abdominal surgery
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
- Chronic straining to urinate or defecate
- Frequent strenuous exercise or manual labor
- Years of pregnancy and carrying small children
- Jobs that require standing for many hours at a time
- Intra-abdominal pressure due to chronic obesity
- Normal age-related tissue degeneration
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