Stomach pains after exercise may be due to a hernia, but before you jump to conclusions, consider other potential causes that are easy to treat, such as cramps, indigestion and pain related to diet. Hernia pain is often felt in the groin or chest rather than the stomach, but if you do suspect a hernia, seek medical advice immediately. Treatment involves core strengthening exercises and possibly a groin reconstruction operation.
Cramps
It is not uncommon to experience stomach cramps when exercising. They probably come about as a result of decreased oxygen supply caused by very fast breathing, says fitness author Stew Smith at Military.com, but there are ways to decrease your chances of suffering cramps. Leave between two and four hours between eating and exercising, stretch your torso before exercising and breathe deeply, pushing out your stomach on each inhalation.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Your pain may be due to gastrointestinal problems, say experts at Rice University, and certain exercises put you more at risk than others. Running, for instance, causes more problems than cycling or swimming, and it is thought that dehydration is at least partly to blame. You are unable to completely rehydrate while exercising, as you can sweat around 2 l per hour, but can only drink around 800 ml in the same time. To combat this, drink 600 ml -- about 20 oz. -- of water before exercising to give yourself a head start.
Sports Hernia
Sports hernias most commonly occur in football players, but the general population is also at risk, especially those who engage in physical activity, says a 2009 article in the journal "Hernia." Sufferers usually experience pain in the groin, and it is aggravated by sudden movements. Pain may subside after exercise, but return on recommencement.
Hiatal Hernia
When the muscle around your stomach weakens, your stomach may protrude through the diaphragm, causing a hiatal hernia. This could be caused by a genetic weakness, injury or repetitive pressure such as that exerted when lifting weights. Symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, belching and nausea.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias sometimes cause a burning pain, but this is usually felt in the groin area, where you should see the bulge of your hernia protruding. An inguinal hernia may be caused by heavy lifting, such as weightlifting, but can also be due to an inherited weak spot, chronic sneezing or coughing, or strained bowel movements.
