Hernia most often occurs in either the abdominal or the groin and thigh region. As you may or may not know, the term hernia is used to describe organ or other tissue that protrudes through weaker muscle areas due to excessive straining. The protruding tissue forms a bulge and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, if left untreated, it can even endanger the life of a person.
The factors that can cause muscles to be weakened to such a degree can be different. However, some of the most common are old age and injury or surgery damage. Once the muscles are weakened or damaged, their ability to endure straining and pressure from the inside of the organism is lessened, and there is an increased risk of tissue pushing through the weak spots.
This is why most people who have had problems with a hernia at some point in their life, as well as those who suspect they might be prone to developing a hernia due to their everyday activities, often turn to hernia belts to provide them with extra support and comfort and prevent a hernia from occurring.
If your doctor has recommended that you buy a hernia belt, or you want to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of hernia, below are the five most important things to consider when buying a hernia belt.
Do I Need a Hernia Belt?
Before buying a hernia support belt it is best that you consult your physician, as they will be able to tell you how it could help you and how often you should wear it.
Generally, anyone with hernia-related problems can benefit from wearing a hernia belt, some more than others. If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, an appropriate support belt can help you maintain your mobility and ability to work in the period before you have your surgery, if one is required.
Also, while recovering from the procedure, the muscles in the affected area will be significantly weaker and may cause you discomfort. Wearing a hernia belt in this period will make everyday life significantly easier for you, and speed up your recovery by providing support and compression to vulnerable areas.
What Type of Hernia Belt Do I Need?
There are different hernia belts for different types of hernia, and your physician is best qualified to recommend the type of hernia belt or truss you need. This will depend both on the location and the size of the hernia, as different hernia belts may be designed to provide support for smaller or larger areas. The two most common types of hernia are inguinal and umbilical hernia.
Inguinal hernia develops in the groin and scrotum region and manifests itself as a painful bulge. If you have or are recovering from this type of hernia, then an inguinal hernia belt is what you need. This type of hernia belt is designed to apply pressure to the appropriate area and alleviate discomfort and pain while keeping any tissue from pushing through further.
On the other hand, umbilical hernia develops near the belly button and manifests itself much in the same way. Umbilical hernia belts are usually wrapped around the body and have the same function: to relieve pain and discomfort while keeping the hernia in place.
What Size is Right For Me?
Hernia belts come in different sizes, and the size categories can differ between different manufacturers. In order to get the right size for yourself, you will need to measure a certain dimension of your body, depending on the type of belt, and compare it to the size chart provided by the manufacturer.
Once you know your size for the particular product, you can rest assured it will fit you just right. A good-fitting hernia belt should stay in place while you are moving, without restricting your freedom and range of motion. After all, it is designed to provide you with both comfort and support throughout your daily routine.
Are Hernia Belts Safe?
While hernia belts are great in what they are designed to do (help with pain and discomfort, while preventing the hernia from recurring or getting worse), it is important to note that they are not meant as a replacement for hernia treatment.
If you have developed a hernia, it is important that you see your doctor immediately and not use any supportive equipment without consulting a medical professional. If untreated, a hernia can get worse really fast and endanger your health gravely.
However, if you follow your physician’s advice and recommendations regarding the use of hernia belts, they are perfectly safe and can go a long way in helping you overcome and recover from hernia as painlessly and comfortably as possible.
In fact, doctors will often recommend the use of a hernia belt both prior to your surgery and as a way to speed up your recovery after the hernia has been surgically treated.
How to Choose The Best Hernia Belt For You?
There is a wide variety of different hernia belts available both online and at medical supply stores. Depending on the severity of the problem you have, as well as your budget, there are many options to choose from. Again, the input of your physician is invaluable when choosing the right hernia belt for yourself.
There are several important factors to take into consideration when comparing hernia belts. One of them is certainly the number of pads and whether they are detachable. Multiple detachable pads offer more versatility and allow you to use the belt to provide support for either side of your body, which is especially convenient if you suffer from a bilateral hernia.
Another factor to consider is the adjustability of the belt, as some of them feature Velcro fasteners which allow you to easily adjust them for a comfortable fit. If the visibility of the belt or truss is an issue for you, there are some low-profile designs that you can wear discreetly under your clothes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, buying a hernia belt is an investment in your well-being, so it is natural to want to make sure you get the best product for your money. With all the available options, there is certainly a lot to consider when looking for the perfect hernia belt for you, and hopefully, after reading this article, you have a better idea about the key points to take into consideration before making your purchase.
