When you exercise, it's normal for the muscles in your abdomen to be a little a sore, especially if you focused on core-toning exercises. However, swelling in the abdomen might be indicative of a serious injury or illness. See a doctor right away if your abdomen swells up during or after exercise.
Causes
The cause of abdominal swelling during or after exercise can vary. For instance, overworking your muscles or developing abdominal muscle strain could be the cause, resulting in inflammation and swelling. This can be quite painful but not serious. A strain of an abdominal muscle tendon is another possibility, as is water retention. A hernia could also be to blame, which occurs when a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscle wall. This is very serious and requires immediate medical care.
Signs of Swelling
Abdominal swelling can appear in a variety of ways when exercising. It might be a visible bump or bulge from within the abdomen and accompanied by severe pain, tenderness to the touch, redness, warmth and nausea. You may also see discoloration or bruising. Moving might be difficult or painful.
Treatment
Treating abdominal swelling caused by exercise requires rest, first and foremost. If water retention is to blame, drink more water to eliminate bloating. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling if you strained a muscle. In cases of a hernia, you will need surgery to repair and tear in your abdominal wall.
Preventing Recurrence
To prevent abdominal swelling when exercising in the future, you must take proper precautions. This means warming up before exercising and stretching your muscles to prevent tightness and cramping. Don't work out your abs every day and take breaks when you need them. Likewise, wear a lifting belt when lifting weights to prevent a hernia.
Member Comments