Help with Running Cramps

Running cramps, particularly running calf cramps, afflict everyone from the person going out for a morning jog, to elite athletes. And it's not just runners that get cramps they can be a factor in any sport - tennis, swimming, golf, cycling and triathlon. This site is dedicated to sharing ideas and information between sports people, athletes, health practitioners, anyone who enjoys training - for the best ways to prevent, avoid and treat muscle cramp.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Stomach cramps while running

Found this Question and Answer post while surfing the internet.

Technique can have a big affect on performance and I found this Q & A interesting - if anyone has comments on running technique and cramping, would love to hear what you've got to say . . . :)

Q: "In the last couple of months it happened to me a couple of times that I get stomach cramps during my every day's run. At first I tried to ignore it, but now I definitely think something is the matter. I don't have any other problems, I am healthy, fit and this happens only during running. What could it be? Thx!


A: Hello! I used to have the same problem, and then my personal trainer explained to me what is going on. These so called side stitches are caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, especially the liver. The jarring motion of running during breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver. So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm. You can stop this cramping while running you know. When this happens, you should 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. "

1 Comments:

At 8:59 AM, Blogger Paul Newland said...

Talked to a few athletes and their take on good running technique is to try to re-time your breathing so that you're breathing out while a different or alternate leg is hitting the ground during the run. It's pretty hard to do at first but's it's worth the effort.

 

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