Stomach pain is a problem familiar to many athletes. According to statistics, runners, swimmers and cyclists often suffer from abdominal pain. It is estimated that more than half of all athletes experience pain while running.
This pain usually occurs in the right hypochondrium, although it can be felt on the left side and in any other area of the abdomen. Most often, the pain is located at a certain point, and its location does not change. The characteristics of pain may be different, but it usually begins with a painful sensation and then develops into more severe acute pain. This pain quickly disappears after you stop running or reduce the intensity of strength training.
If the pain persists for a long time, you need to make sure there are no serious diseases. After all, abdominal pain may indicate certain diseases and require analgesia (for example, Algesal or Meftal). Pain can occur due to cholecystitis, appendicitis and other diseases. If the pain is different from what occurred before or does not disappear at rest, you should see a doctor.
Exercise-related abdominal pain can be treated with massage and other physiotherapy treatments. Muscle strain can cause pain, and massage will help relax tense muscles. It has been found that muscle tension in the thigh often accompanies abdominal pain in athletes, and getting rid of it can prevent the development of pain.
To avoid abdominal pain, follow these guidelines:
Exercise.
If you exercise regularly, the pain will occur less and less often. Beginners are more likely to experience pain because their muscles are still weak.
Pay attention to the diaphragm and back.
Training these muscles protects experienced athletes from abdominal pain.
Do not stoop.
It has been found that people with posture disorders are more likely to experience abdominal pain.
Eat less before exercise.
If you always eat half an hour before a workout, the food will stay in your stomach during the workout. Food increases the volume of the stomach, and exercise makes the peritoneum in the stomach area extremely sensitive. This means that the risk of pain increases.
It is recommended to eat one or two hours before the scheduled workout. This will allow your stomach to empty by the time you start exercising, as well as provide an easy digestive process.
Drink water.
A small amount of water helps to avoid pain. But if you drink a very sweet drink before jogging, the amount of intra-abdominal fluid will decrease and pain will appear.
Always do a warm-up.
The result of training and the absence of side effects largely depend on warm-up and stretching. The worse your muscles are warmed up, the greater the risk of stomach pain.
Increase the intensity of training gradually.
Light exercise often avoids pain, especially for beginners.
Learn to breathe properly.
It turns out that proper breathing not only promotes endurance, but also prevents pain.