Stomach cramps is a term used to describe pain in the abdomen. According to the "British Journal of Sports Medicine," developing a cramp while exercising may be a condition identified as exercise related transient abdominal pain. ETAP is characterized by a sharp, localized pain in the abdomen. The pain can be severe and often occurs when the torso is extended and moves repeatedly.
Cause
It is believed that abdominal cramping while working out occurs when the ligaments that run from the diaphragm to organs including the liver or kidneys are stretched or moved suddenly. Breathing quickly or straining while working out tends to set off the condition. According to researchers from Avondale College in Australia, ETAP is commonly observed in runners and swimmers.
About Exercise Related Transient Abdominal Pain
Exercise related transient abdominal pain effects men and women equally. Also, those who are overweight are just as likely to experience ETAP as people at a normal weight. According to a 2002 study published in "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise," an evaluation of nearly 1,000 athletes found that ETAP tends to decrease with age.
Prevention
When a cramp occurs, the Sports Injury Bulletin suggests changing your breathing pattern, which may alter the position of your diaphragm. Strengthening your abdominal could support the organs involved with stomach cramping and prevent them from jolting out of position. Avoid eating and drinking an hour or two prior to working out. The added weight of a full stomach may pull down on the diaphragm and cause cramping. Try to keep your body relaxed. The Sports Injury Bulletin reports that tense athletes tend to cramp more than those who stay relaxed.
Other Causes
The National Institutes of Health identifies more than a dozen different conditions that may also be causing your stomach cramps. Kidney stones, which are a common problem, are crystallized deposits that can cause extreme pain in the abdomen. Diverticulosis is inflammation in the intestinal wall. While diverticulosis is common, it typically occurs later in life. A hernia is a sac of soft tissue that protrudes through the abdominal wall. It's usually caused by repeated stress or straining. Working out with a hernia can be painful and worsen your condition.
