Running Cramps How to Prevent and Treat

When I first started running regularly I used to frequently get a painful pinch on the side part of my torso, around my mid-section, below my rib cage. These are called running cramps.

The pinching quickly brought me back to high school gym class and the pinch I would feel in my diaphragm after being prompted to run a one-mile speed test. Back then I was not a runner. I couldn’t imagine why anyone would willingly run, let alone run for fun, and experience these stomach cramps.

Running Cramps

Running Cramps

What Are Cramps From Running?

These side pains, or side cramps, I now know, are more commonly known as side stitches, runner’s cramps or side stitches. They are common when running and while they can happen to even the most seasoned and experienced runner.

They do happen less frequently to me now that I know what running side cramps are and how to prevent them. There are many causes for them, I will explain the common causes and then share tips to prevent cramps or stop them once you have them during a run.

What Causes Cramps While Running?

There are many theories about what causes cramps while running, and the cramping can vary depending on the person and the location of the cramps.

According to a report by Women’s Health, “When running, the legs put pressure on the diaphragm from below, while super-fast breathing puts pressure on the diaphragm from above, effectively pinching the muscle and cutting off the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscle.”

That sounds super medical and complicated right? Another theory is more simple, running causes ligaments attached to internal organs to be tugged around, causing the discomfort.

Cramping that is lower in the abdomen could be coming from the stomach and be spurred by something you ate or drank before your run.

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No matter the cause of the side cramps, most everyone will agree they are painful to experience and make you want to stop your run dead in its tracks. But there is hope for cramping while running.

You don’t have to push through side stitches during every run. And if you do get a side stitch during your run, there are a few tactics you can follow to minimize the discomfort and, possibly, make it go away completely.

Cramps While Running

Running Cramps

How Do You Prevent Exercise Cramps?

Here are some common ways to stop or prevent cramps from starting. Some of these methods are condoned by experts and some are from my own personal experience as a runner over the last seven years.

I hope these tactics will help eliminate side stitches during your next run. I will share multiple tactics, if one method does not work, try another. Over time I have found what works best for myself, but this may vary depending on your personal running experience.

Running Cramps in Side

How to Prevent Runner Cramps

Control Your Breathing: Personally I have found that if I breathe in my nose and out my mouth during my run, I am less likely to experience this uncomfortable condition. When I would get carried away and breathe in and out my mouth it seemed to make the cramping occur. Experts call this lower lung breathing.

Be Mindful of Diet: Many experts believe the fitness cramps are spurred by what you eat before going for a run. “Foods that are higher in fat and fiber take longer to digest.

That doesn’t mean they are bad foods, but if you eat them within one to two hours before a run, they can cause havoc — creating stomach upset, stitches, and other problems,” according to a Runner’s World report.

Practice Proper Hydration: Similarly, drinking too much or too little before a run can increase your risk of developing side stitches while running. In addition to drinking water, there are a variety of hydration drinks for runners.

A few I have tried include ZICO Coconut Water, Accelerade and Nuun. Instead of chugging water before your run, you might also bring a small bottle of water with you to sip from during your run. I really like the FuelBelt Spring Palm Water Holder.

Running Side Cramps

Running Cramps

Don’t Forget a Warmup: Like my high school story, where I had to run fast and furious for one mile with little to no warmup, experts say the lack of a warmup prior to your run can prime your body for developing side cramps.

A sample warmup may be to “Invest in two to three minutes of brisk walking, gradually work into an easy running effort, and then into your planned running workout pace,” according to Runner’s World.

Slow Down Your Pace: When you first begin running you want to go fast and far, but building up running endurance is a slow process. Tone back the excitement just a little bit and slow your pace and those running cramps in stomach may go away.

Strengthen the Abdominal Wall: Abdominal exercises, such as planks, can help strengthen the area prone to cramping. Core strength is vital to successful running, so this is a good practice regardless of whether or not you get cramps during your run.

Cramps from Running

Running Cramps

In Summary

I hope this post was helpful for cramping while running and in understanding what side cramps while running are and how they can be prevented. While cramps while running are annoying, I can attest that I experience them less the longer I have been running.

Over the years I have learned how to strengthen my core, hydrate and fuel properly and generally avoid a lot of the common causes of side cramps from running.

What are your tips for preventing side cramps?

Sources: WebMd.com, Runner’s World, Women’s Health




3 thoughts on “Running Cramps How to Prevent and Treat”

  1. I focus on taking really deep breaths when I get them and making sure that I am drinking enough water, and not too much water before/during my runs 😀

    Reply
  2. Haha! The funny thing is now that you mention that I recall doing that when I "ran" track in junior high school. There must be some truth to it!

    Reply
  3. I don't get them but I've heard you're supposed to keep running and hold your arms up. Seriously. My friend swears by this… and also looks like a lunatic but eventually she runs through it and is ok again.

    Reply

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