If you've been a runner for a long time but suddenly get bladder pain when running, its understandable that you would be concerned. Several potential conditions, including an infection and a chronic condition called interstitial cystitis, could be causing your bladder pain when you are running. Fortunately, these conditions can be treated. You'll need to see your physician for a complete checkup to determine the cause of your bladder pain.
Types of Pain
The pain you experience while running may not actually come from your bladder, even if it feels as if it does. According to Running Times magazine, dozens of potential conditions can cause pelvic pain in the vicinity of your bladder, including gas pressure in the colon, digestive conditions such as ulcerative colitis and celiac disease and gynecological conditions such as uterine fibroids.
Bladder Infection
A bladder infection potentially can cause bladder pain when you are running. These infections result when bacteria travels up the urinary tract into the bladder, and they occur more commonly in women. If you have problems emptying your bladder, you're also at higher risk of developing a bladder infection. Symptoms include pain and often burning with urination, along with feelings of urgency and of incomplete emptying of your bladder. Your physician can prescribe antibiotics for you if you have a bladder infection.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis -- a chronic condition with unknown causes -- leads to frequent, painful urination along with bladder pain. You might also feel as if you need to urinate urgently, and your bladder might feel sore and tender. There's no cure for interstitial cystitis, but your physician can suggest lifestyle changes to help with your discomfort. Although it's possible that intense exercise might exacerbate your interstitial cystitis symptoms, exercise also might help to alleviate your symptoms.
Jogger's Hematuria
If you run frequently or for long distances, you might suffer from a condition called Jogger's Hematuria, which results in the presence of red blood cells in your urine, according to the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. At times, bladder pain accompanies the red urine -- both result from repeated jarring of your bladder. If you have this type of running-induced hematuria, it should dissipate within 24 hours after your run. If the symptoms persist or recur, however, you should seek medical attention to rule out any more serious conditions.
