Situps are a common floor abdominal exercise. As harmless as the exercise may seem, situps may cause abdominal cramps in some exercisers. In fact, you will likely not feel the cramping at first, so you won't know when to stop the workout. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, muscle cramps can develop up to six hours post-exercise. Abdominal cramping from situps is usually treated at home, but severe cramps may be addressed with your doctor.
Causes
Abdominal cramping from situps is related to both the exercise and the circumstances in which you work out. Performing too many situps at once increases the risk of abdominal cramping, as well as contracting the muscles for a long time. According to MayoClinic.com, dehydration is a direct cause of muscle cramps. Warm weather is infamous for causing muscle cramps in athletes, due to the heat and a lack of water consumption.
Effects
Symptoms of abdominal cramps vary, depending on the severity on the cramping. In mild cases, you may just feel pain throughout the abdominal area. The pain worsens with movements that require abdominal muscles, such as reaching up or down for an object. You may experience an occasional muscle spasm. More severe cramping can cause a lump in the abdominals. According to MayoClinic.com, the lump might even be visible.
Prevention
Stretch your abdominal muscles each time after you exercise to help prevent cramping. Lie on the floor and reach your feet and arms in opposite directions for a light stretch. Hydration may also prevent muscle cramps related to exercise. The Mayo Clinic website explains that muscles require ample water for relaxation and to reduce irritability from situps. Water also hydrates cells within muscles. Drink water throughout the day, as well as before, during and after each situps routine to avoid the risk of dehydration.
Overexerting yourself increases the risk of cramping after situps. If you are new to the exercise, start off with one set to see how you feel. Gradually increase repetitions and sets as your abdominal muscles gain strength. Mix up your abdominal routine so that you work other muscles. For example, try crunches on a stability ball or pelvic tilts.
Treatment
Cramped muscles are most often treated at home. Aside from stretching, the best at-home treatment involves the use of hot pads and cold packs. Use a cold pack first to decrease tension, and then follow up with a hot pad to relieve pain. Persistent abdominal cramps can be addressed with a physician, particularly if the cramping is severe. The Mayo Clinic website states that a doctor may recommend muscle relaxers to help relieve pain. If abdominal cramps are painful enough to keep you awake at night, your physician may temporarily prescribe a sleeping aid. Never take a supplement or medication for abdominal cramps without checking with your doctor first.
