Can you run with an umbilical hernia?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

Patients with umbilical hernias are generally advised against engaging in vigorous activities such as running and jumping. This is because an umbilical hernia is a type of hernia that can lead to incarceration or even rupture due to sudden increases in abdominal pressure, which would require emergency surgery. For umbilical hernias, conservative treatment is mostly adopted. Typically, affected children can self-heal within six months through conservative treatment. However, if the condition persists beyond the age of two and the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is recommended. If the patient is over the age of five, it is advised to undergo surgery as soon as possible, regardless of the circumstances. Both before and after the surgery for an umbilical hernia, vigorous activities are not recommended. Intense activities increase abdominal pressure, which on one hand can lead to complications like incarceration, and on the other hand, can affect the outcome of the surgical treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 6sec home-news-image

How is umbilical hernia treated?

In treating umbilical hernias, we need to consider both the age of the patient and the size of the hernia specifically caused. Generally, children under the age of two do not require surgery. Typically, we consider using a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrapping it up, pressing against the umbilical ring, and securing it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Most can close by themselves and heal. For children over two years old, if the hernia is still larger than 1.5cm, surgical treatment should be considered. In adults, traditional tissue repair methods are generally used, or an open umbilical hernia tension-free repair. The repair can be placed in front of the muscle or can use a hernia ring filling method. For most patients, if there is an opportunity for minimally invasive treatment, laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair can be selected. This method generally involves a smaller incision and can preserve the navel, reducing the chance of incision infection, and is particularly suitable for obese patients.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 8sec home-news-image

Is umbilical hernia hereditary?

Umbilical hernia is not a hereditary disease and generally does not occur genetically. Umbilical hernia is due to the incomplete healing of the umbilical ring, causing the abdominal organs to protrude through the umbilical ring, and is a congenital disease. Developmental inadequacies of the navel, or the presence of scar tissue, thinness, and lack of toughness in the navel area can lead to this condition when abdominal pressure increases. In general, children with an umbilical hernia may show discomfort, which can manifest as frequent crying or constipation. For most cases of umbilical hernia, conservative treatment is an option. In children under two years old, surgery can be avoided by using adhesive tape treatment, which can achieve very good therapeutic effects. If the diameter of the umbilical ring is still greater than 1.5 cm after the age of two, timely surgery is necessary. For adults with umbilical hernia, incarceration and strangulation are common, and surgery is recommended as soon as a clear diagnosis is made.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
52sec home-news-image

How to treat umbilical hernia with conservative treatment?

Umbilical hernia in children is a common condition involving the navel area, caused by incomplete development there, allowing intestinal contents to protrude through this weak spot, thus forming an umbilical hernia. The vast majority of umbilical hernias can heal on their own, so conservative treatment is possible, meaning it is okay to just watch and wait. Most children's weak spots in the navel will heal by the age of two, and the hernia will resolve itself. Only a very small number of cases, where the hernia is particularly large or has not healed by the age of two, require surgical treatment. Parents must be clear about this. Therefore, there is no need for special treatment, just observation. It's only necessary to avoid letting the child cry loudly, which can increase abdominal pressure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
45sec home-news-image

Treatment methods for infant umbilical hernia

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weak abdominal wall around the navel, leading to protrusion. It generally does not require special treatment methods. As long as care is taken to avoid the child's intense or prolonged crying, actively treat gastrointestinal diseases to prevent increased abdominal pressure that could lead to protrusion, no special treatment is usually necessary. This is because 80% of children with umbilical hernias will see their hernia rings gradually shrink or even close as they grow older, typically by the age of two. Surgical treatment might only be needed if the hernia ring is very large, such as more than two centimeters in diameter, or if the obvious umbilical hernia persists after the age of two.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
1min 4sec home-news-image

Does infant umbilical hernia affect bowel movements?

Infant umbilical hernia is caused by a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel, which leads to the protrusion of the umbilicus, typically occurring when there is an increase in abdominal pressure. When it protrudes, it may slightly affect bowel movements. If an umbilical hernia becomes incarcerated, it can lead to intestinal obstruction and prevent the passing of stool. In such cases, steps should be taken to reduce the hernia. If conventional measures fail, it is necessary to seek medical attention at a hospital, specifically from a pediatric surgery emergency department, to address the issue. Otherwise, it could lead to serious digestive tract problems. Normally, an umbilical hernia does not affect bowel movements. However, it is also important to prevent children from crying intensely and for prolonged periods, and actively treat any indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation to prevent increased abdominal and intra-abdominal pressure, which can lead to the protrusion affecting the natural closure of the child's umbilical hernia.