Every time I run, I cramp in my sides, and it bothers me very badly. Can anyone help?
2006-07-26 07:31:49 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Other - Sports
To stop a side stitch when running, stop running and place your hand into the right side of your belly and push up, lifting the liver slightly. Inhale and exhale evenly as you push up.
To prevent a side stitch in the first place, take even, deep breaths while running. Shallow breathing tends to increase the risk of cramping because the diaphragm is always slightly raised and never lowers far enough to allow the ligaments to relax. When this happens the diaphragm becomes stressed and a spasm or "stitch" is more likely.
Some other ways to alleviate the pain of a side stitch include:
Time your eating. Having food in your stomach during a workout may contribute to cramping by creating more force on the ligaments. Try to avoid eating one to two hours before a workout.
Stretch more. Stretching is a good additional way to prevent or relieve a cramp. To target this often overlooked muscle, raise your right arm straight up and bend your trunk toward the left. Hold for 30 seconds, release, then stretch the other side.
Ease up. Sometimes it's as simple as decreasing your intensity until the pain subsides. Try lowering your arms and slowing your pace the next time the pain hits.
Breathe deeply. This helps to stretch the diaphragm. Some people also find exhaling forcefully when the opposite foot strikes the floor to be helpful. For instance, if the pain is in your left side, exhale forcefully every time you land on your right foot.
Drink more fluids before exercise. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps.
Rub it away. Massage or press on the area where you feel pain. You may also want to bend forward slightly. This seems to stretch the diaphragm and ease the pain.
* If you continue to experience pain, see your doctor.
2006-07-26 08:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by Irate Consumer 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cramping in the side usually is a result of not being hydrated enough. Be sure you have enough liquids before and during exercise. If you get a cramp anyway, try bending over at the waist towards that side and making as if to pick something small up off of the ground. This action will sometimes make the cramp go away.
2006-07-26 14:36:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cramping of the stomach or side is called side stitch. There are several theories as to what causes this pain: a spasm or cramp in the diaphragm muscle, diminished blood flow due to excessive muscle contraction and dehydration and/or micronutrient imbalances. Like shin splints, the best preventative measures are to stretch and increase flexibility, also drink plenty of fluids, such as sports drinks. One way to ease the pain is to ease the running pace. When the cramping begins, slow down and place the arms above the head until the pain subsides. With an acute attack, gently massage the painful area to bring temporary relief.
2006-07-26 14:36:39 · answer #3 · answered by ted_armentrout 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breathe, breathe, breathe. I settle into a breathing pattern of 3 steps per exhale, 3 steps per inhale during jogging. During running, I do 2 steps per exhale and 2 steps per inhale. Get into a good rhythm and if you start to cramp, rest by walking.
Also, don't drink a lot of water beforehand, because it makes you cramp even more. Don't get me wrong, you need to be well hydrated, but chugging water just before an exercise is not good. Drink smaller portions at a time, and drink a lot when you are done. Take it from someone used to jogging in the heat.
2006-07-26 14:36:13 · answer #4 · answered by SkiBabe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AHHHHHHH
IM a beginer runner.
Thou I have leared if I am cramp I can go longer if I put my hands on my hips until the cramp is gone.
Somehoe that works everytime.
just advice I got from a very wize friend.
2006-07-26 14:39:03 · answer #5 · answered by Don The great .................. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing you can really do. But when i get cramps i just take deeper breaths and run a little harder and it seems to help
2006-07-26 17:24:58 · answer #6 · answered by screekrunner 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure u are well hydrated, and keep your mouth closed while running. with ur mouth open, u can get cramps or get a big stich in ur side.
2006-07-26 14:37:17 · answer #7 · answered by MarieAntoinette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't eat before you run and make sure you are very well hydrated is the best advice I can give.
2006-07-26 14:35:33 · answer #8 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be your breathing. Try to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
2006-07-26 14:35:12 · answer #9 · answered by AZC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would add my 2 cents but everybody has been pretty thorough...
2006-07-26 19:55:32 · answer #10 · answered by B-Truth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋