Abdominal Cramping When Running

<h1>Abdominal Cramping When Running</h1>Author: <a title="Dr Andrew Schneider" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/dr-andrew-schneider/104161.htm">Dr Andrew Schneider</a> Every athlete has experienced abdominal cramping at one time or another while running. Abdominal cramping can be very annoying and painful, causing a runner to have to stop running until the pain goes away. There are a couple of theories on exactly what this pain is and how it can be prevented. The following are the most common causes of abdominal pain and some suggestions on how to alleviate the pain.Breathing - Probably the most popular theory on abdominal pain right now is due to the athlete's vigorous breathing while running. This pain is called a "side stitch" and is caused while running because the ligaments in the abdomen attaching the diaphragm to the internal organs get stretched. A side stitch is caused when runners take too shallow breaths, preventing the diaphragm from coming completely down and not allowing the ligaments to relax. Concentrating on taking deep, controlled breaths as well as massaging the area that is causing pain will help to alleviate this problem.Dehydration - Another common theory about why runners get abdominal cramping is due to dehydration. Dehydration is a common occurrence in runners that can be hard to avoid even if you are consciously trying to stay hydrated. There are many factors that go into getting the proper hydration such as the amount of liquid consumed, temperature of the liquid, timing of the liquid being consumed, amount of sweat being produced, amount of food in the stomach, as well as many other factors. Because the absorption of liquids into the body is such a complex process runners may be suffering from dehydration even if they think they are drinking enough fluids. The best way to avoid dehydration in order to prevent cramping is to find out exactly how much water you should be consuming for your age, weight, and height.Lactic Acid Build-up - The third theory of abdominal cramping that I hear many athletes talk about is lactic acid build-up. Although many people are familiar with this theory, it doesn't relate much to an abdominal cramping. Basically, lactic acid builds up in the muscles when they are not getting enough oxygen when exercising. When the body isn't getting enough oxygen then it must revert to the anaerobic energy pathway to produce energy which has a by-product of lactic acid. This process is more likely to cause larger muscle groups to become sore and not as much the abdominal cramping that is experienced while running. In either case this process can all together be avoided by better oxygen intact and training.Abdominal cramping while running is an annoyance that most runners have to deal with at one point or another. Although there are different theories as to what exactly causes this pain there are common ways to help alleviate the pain. Deep breathing, hydration, and pressure over the cramp seem to be the best ways to alleviate abdominal cramping. About the Author: Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider's FREE book, <a href="http://www.tanglewoodfootspecialists.com/cond/spor.htm">visit his website</a> and his blog <a href="http://www.houstonrundoc.com">"The Houston Running Chronicles"</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/abdominal-cramping-when-running-1443927.html" title="Abdominal Cramping When Running">Abdominal Cramping When Running</a>

Every athlete has experienced abdominal cramping at one time or another while running. Abdominal cramping can be very annoying and painful, causing a runner to have to stop running until the pain goes away. There are a couple of theories on exactly what this pain is and how it can be prevented. The following are the most common causes of abdominal pain and some suggestions on how to alleviate the pain.

Breathing - Probably the most popular theory on abdominal pain right now is due to the athlete's vigorous breathing while running. This pain is called a "side stitch" and is caused while running because the ligaments in the abdomen attaching the diaphragm to the internal organs get stretched. A side stitch is caused when runners take too shallow breaths, preventing the diaphragm from coming completely down and not allowing the ligaments to relax. Concentrating on taking deep, controlled breaths as well as massaging the area that is causing pain will help to alleviate this problem.

Dehydration - Another common theory about why runners get abdominal cramping is due to dehydration. Dehydration is a common occurrence in runners that can be hard to avoid even if you are consciously trying to stay hydrated. There are many factors that go into getting the proper hydration such as the amount of liquid consumed, temperature of the liquid, timing of the liquid being consumed, amount of sweat being produced, amount of food in the stomach, as well as many other factors. Because the absorption of liquids into the body is such a complex process runners may be suffering from dehydration even if they think they are drinking enough fluids. The best way to avoid dehydration in order to prevent cramping is to find out exactly how much water you should be consuming for your age, weight, and height.

Lactic Acid Build-up - The third theory of abdominal cramping that I hear many athletes talk about is lactic acid build-up. Although many people are familiar with this theory, it doesn't relate much to an abdominal cramping. Basically, lactic acid builds up in the muscles when they are not getting enough oxygen when exercising. When the body isn't getting enough oxygen then it must revert to the anaerobic energy pathway to produce energy which has a by-product of lactic acid. This process is more likely to cause larger muscle groups to become sore and not as much the abdominal cramping that is experienced while running. In either case this process can all together be avoided by better oxygen intact and training.

Abdominal cramping while running is an annoyance that most runners have to deal with at one point or another. Although there are different theories as to what exactly causes this pain there are common ways to help alleviate the pain. Deep breathing, hydration, and pressure over the cramp seem to be the best ways to alleviate abdominal cramping.

Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider's FREE book, visit his website and his blog "The Houston Running Chronicles"

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/abdominal-cramping-when-running-1443927.html

Article Tags: abdominal cramp, stomach cramping, lactic acid, dehydration, fluids, houston, podiatrist, running, doctor, cramps

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Natural Medicine for Menstrual Cramps

Play

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Explained

Play

How to Treat Muscle Cramps in Athletes

Play

Treating Abdominal Cramps for Atheletes

Play

How to Deal with Leg Cramps

Latest Fitness Articles
More from Dr Andrew Schneider

How To Stop Panic Attacks

By: Riley West | 21/11/2009
It goes like this. You feel the first faint symptom of a pending attack. You feel your heart rate step up. You think, "Oh no! Not right now!" You remember how frightening these attacks are. That scares you even more. Your adrenaline kicks in and now we have a full on and growing "fight or flight" syndrome engulfing us.

Overcoming Your Fear Of Exercise: Especially for Seniors And Beginners

By: Dave Tabern | 20/11/2009
Fear of exercise can be a problem for older adults or those that haven't had a lot of experience working out on a regular basis. There are certain concerns that these individuals might have when it comes to exercising.

4 Surprising Fitness Tips

By: Kasan Groupe | 20/11/2009
Even if you consider yourself to be somewhat of a fitness guru, there are always new facts and tidbits out there that can really aid your fitness progression. Whether it’s the latest fitness gadgets or just some new protein drink, you can never know enough. That’s why I’ve rounded up a list of some rather surprising fitness tips that they probably don’t know about yet. They’re unconventional are sure to make your workouts a boost.

Why Should I do an Outdoor Workout?

By: Louis Treachman | 20/11/2009
Outdoor exercise routines offer many opportunities the gymnasium setting simply cannot match. Sadly, we have been brainwashed into thinking the sole way to get into shape is by joining a gym and paying stupid prices every month. Then, it becomes clear that you may not really know what to do, so you'll have to pay a dear personal coach. The truth of the situation is that out of doors fitness, done right will be offering everything the gymnasium can offer and much , much more. ...

Working Out for Extreme Fitness

By: muhamad hafiz | 20/11/2009
Many people think about building muscles as abandoning life outside the gym and devoting hours in the gym like a monk in a monastery. Perhaps the only way to chisel the body into a hot muscular physique is by toiling hour by hour over the rusty iron day in, day out and year in, year out.

Moderate Exercises to Fitness!

By: muhamad hafiz | 20/11/2009
Have you ever felt tired and stressed out from work and by the time you get home you see your three children running towards you asking you to play basketball with them? You refused and promised them that you will after you take you rest. Instead of disappointing your children, why not say, "yes" after all? You will be surprised by the amount of energy you will have after that 30-minute activity.

Moderate Exercises to Fitness!

Health and Fitness

By: muhamad hafiz | 20/11/2009
Being active makes a person healthy and strong. It is not just for people who have a weight problem but for everyone who likes to stay fit. There is a lot a person can do such jog or walk every morning, play basketball or any other sport with friends but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, then one can sign up and workout in a gym.

The Most Common Foot Injuries from Running a Marathon

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 17/11/2009 | Fitness
People who run marathons put in months of training. Even so, injuries during the race happen. The three most common injuries are blisters, subungual hematomas, and plantar fasciitis. This article discusses these three common injuries.

Abdominal Cramping When Running

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 11/11/2009 | Fitness
All runners have experienced abdominal cramps. They are related to a few common causes, but can be inconvenient, especially during a race. This article discusses the causes and how to best prevent them.

What to Consider when Deciding to Run a Marathon

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 04/11/2009 | Health
Training for a marathon is an enormous investment of time, emotion, and energy that not everyone is ready for. You need to be sure you are in good health, being careful to have any injuries checked on immediately. You must have a solid support system of family and friends, and you must allocate the right amount of time needed to train.

How Weather Conditions Affect Running Performance

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 15/10/2009 | Fitness
The weather plays a large role in the performance of runners. Hot, humid weather, such as in Houston, and rain can negatively impact a run if it is not accounted for.

Running Surfaces Can Make a Difference

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 13/10/2009 | Health
Runners need to be aware of the surface they are running. Running on the wrong surface, such as one that is too hard, too soft, or banked, can result in an injury.

What You Need To Know About the Female Athlete Triad

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 08/10/2009 | Health
The Female Athlete Triad puts young athletic women at risk for injury. Because of unnatural body image, participants in sports can end up with an eating disorder. This will lead to poor nutrition and weakness of the bones. Stress fractures and other injuries can result.

How To Push Yourself Through A Tough Run

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 26/09/2009 | Fitness
Sometimes it's difficult to stay motivated during a run. This article discusses three ways to help you stay motivated during those days where you just want to stop running.

Triathlon Transitioning and Your Feet

By: Dr Andrew Schneider | 23/09/2009 | Fitness
Triathlons present unique care for your feet. The transitions between swimming and bicycling, and between biking and running, are times where you need to focus on your feet to ensure they are able to carry you through to the end of the race.