A bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and colonize in the bladder. Symptoms include pain in the lower back or abdomen, burning urination and feelings of urgency to urinate. In some cases, movements such as walking may aggravate bladder pain in people with a bladder infection. Understanding the connection between bladder infection and pain when walking allows you to identify and treat symptoms sooner to prevent complications.
Causes
Bacteria are the cause of most bladder infections. E. coli are the most common offenders, though staphylococcus and other strains may also be to blame. Less commonly, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted bacteria can cause bladder infection.
Everyday activities such as sexual intercourse or improper wiping can make it easier for bacteria to spread to the urethra. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, bladder infections are far more common in women due to the close proximity of the anus to the urethral opening and the shorter length of the urethra, which allows bacteria to enter the bladder more readily.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of bladder infection are pain and burning urination. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aching is sometimes worse with movement. Other symptoms include feelings of urgency to urinate, fatigue, blood in the urine and frequent urination.
The pain of a bladder infection may be localized to the lower abdomen or radiate to other locations, such as the lower back, legs or pelvic area. Some people experience pain only when urinating, while others feel constant pain that is aggravated by movements such as walking, bending or stretching.
Complications
Left untreated, bladder infection can lead to kidney infection --- a potentially fatal condition. Symptoms of kidney infection include fever, chills, nausea, extreme fatigue and flank pain. The National Institutes of Health lists kidney infection, kidney scarring and sepsis as possible complications of bladder infection.
Prevention/Solution
Prescription antibiotics are the only proven treatment for bladder infection. For pain and fever that often accompany infection, over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may provide relief. Applying heat externally with a heating pad or warm water bottle may also ease bladder pain. If walking increases pain, sitting or lying down as much as possible can be helpful.
For women who experience frequent bladder infections, the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus service suggests modifying hygiene practices such as urinating immediately after sex, wiping from front to back and avoiding tight-fitting pants. Other lifestyle changes that may be helpful include drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption and drinking sugar-free cranberry juice daily.
Warning
If you experience persistent bladder pain while walking, talk to a doctor. Rarely, symptoms of a bladder infection can mimic those of more serious diseases such as bladder cancer or kidney stones.
