Hernia belts and supports

A hernia belt is used to apply a steady and constant pressure to an abdominal hernia. By doing this it supports the hernia and it will reduce pain and discomfort significantly. Hernia belts are worn by people who are awaiting hernia surgery. (A hernia belt can reduce the painful symptoms of this condition and prevent it from worsening, but only surgery can correct it.)

What is a hernia

An abdominal hernia is the result of one of the internal organs, typically the intestine, puncturing the membrane that surrounds the abdomen and projecting through it. This kind of injury or condition can be extremely painful and it can also pose a major health risk because the projecting tissue may be "strangled" by the abdominal membrane causing it to lose its blood supply.

The only corrective treatment for this kind of hernia is surgery, where the projecting organ is pushed back into place and the abdominal membrane stitched up to close the opening. However, a hernia belt can be used to bridge the gap between diagnosis and surgery and it may be used as a protective measure after surgery as the wound heals. The belt works by simply pushing the projecting organ back into the abdominal membrane and holding it there.

Hernias can often be congenital and their occurrence is increased with age.

Types of hernia belt

Most hernia belts look like a cross between a belt and a pair of pants. This is because an abdominal hernia will normally be located at (or very close to) the elastic line of a pair of underpants. Most hernia belts omit any fabric or material in the groin or crutch area – this area is normally left open.

A hernia belt will have an adjustable waistband (normally hook and loop (Velcro) closures) and adjustable perineal straps (i.e. the straps that go between the legs and link the belt from the front to the back).

The belt will have adjustable pads (normally two) that can be positioned to provide the best support to the affected area. These pads are like small foam cushions and they are used to apply pressure directly to the hernia. One of these pads can be removed if the belt is being worn to treat a single hernia.

Variations in hernia belts can see them looking almost exactly like underpants, with the restraining belt part embodied in the design, or looking much more like a surgical belt with two narrow perineal straps.

Most hernia belts (and pants) come in different colours ranging from white to black and with skin tones. Some may have buckle fastenings rather than the more convenient hook and loop.

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