Running is a popular sport among the general population due to its flexibility in terms of time, location, and equipment requirements. However, some individuals may experience right lower abdominal pain while running, causing concerns about underlying medical conditions. Today, we will analyze the causes of right lower abdominal pain during running.
Insufficient warm-up exercise
Insufficient warm-up exercise can lead to right lower abdominal pain while running. When warm-up exercise is not sufficient, immediately engaging in running increases the intensity of exercise before the internal organs have reached the appropriate level of activity. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with poor cardiac strength, as the weak heartbeat affects venous blood return and causes increased pressure in the inferior vena cava. This, in turn, hinders the flow of blood from the liver, leading to congestion and swelling of the liver and spleen. The increased tension on the membrane surrounding the liver and spleen results in referred pain.
Recommendation: To prevent exercise-induced abdominal pain, it is crucial to adequately prepare the body with warm-up activities before running, allowing the internal organs to adapt.
Spasms of the rectus abdominis muscle
Right lower abdominal pain during running may be caused by spasms of the rectus abdominis muscle. These spasms are more likely to occur in the summer when engaging in intense activities such as running. The combination of excessive sweating and salt loss, metabolic imbalance, and fatigue can cause spasms and resulting pain in the rectus abdominis muscle.
Recommendation: The key to preventing spasms of the rectus abdominis muscle is to replenish fluids and electrolytes with saltwater during sweating in the summer. Additionally, massaging the rectus abdominis muscle and performing back stretching exercises can help alleviate abdominal pain.
Intestinal spasms
Intestinal spasms should also be considered as a possible cause of right lower abdominal pain during running. Inhaling a large amount of cold air during running, combined with the intense stimulation of running, can trigger sudden intestinal spasms and subsequent pain. In such cases, it is best to stop running.
Recommendation: When running in cold weather, it is important to avoid mouth breathing and instead breathe through the nose. Additionally, daily running exercises should not be overly intense, and jogging is recommended.
Ovarian cysts
In the case of females experiencing right lower abdominal pain while running, ovarian cysts should be considered as a possible cause. Ovarian cysts refer to the development of benign tumors on one or both sides of the ovaries. They may be asymptomatic in general but can cause pain when the cysts grow larger, become inflamed, or are subjected to intense physical activity.
Recommendation: If there is suspicion of ovarian cysts, it is advisable to seek a proper diagnosis through ultrasound examination at a reputable hospital and follow the recommended treatment. Maintaining a light diet and regular exercise are also recommended.
Kidney stones
In young adult males experiencing right lower abdominal pain while running, kidney stones should be considered as a possible cause. Most kidney stone patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms. However, during intense activities such as running, the movement of kidney stones into the ureter can cause urinary obstruction, infection, and symptoms such as pain in the waist and abdomen, nausea, and bloating.
Recommendation: When experiencing the above symptoms, consideration should be given to the possibility of kidney stones, and medical examination for diagnosis should be sought. It is also advisable to avoid consuming foods that are prone to causing kidney stones, such as tofu, spinach, and persimmons, as part of the regular diet.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis should be considered as a possible cause of right lower abdominal pain while running. It is more common in young individuals and presents with sudden onset of pain, typically starting in the middle or upper abdomen before moving and becoming localized in the right lower abdomen. The pain is often described as continuous distension or dull pain and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Recommendation: If the right lower abdominal pain during running is suspected to be caused by appendicitis, the pain may be difficult to alleviate, and the patient may experience continuous discomfort. To prevent dehydration, it is advisable to seek medical treatment.
