Muscle cramps occur in the stomach during and after exercise for various reasons. Successfully getting rid of your stomach cramp requires addressing the relevant cause. Abdominal muscle stitches sometimes stem from a dehydration-related electrolyte imbalance. They also result from straining a muscle that isn't well enough conditioned for the workout or not properly stretching it or warming it up prior to exercising. When you pinpoint why you tend to get stomach cramps, take preventative measure before you begin exercising. For now, though, there are a few ways to try treating the muscle cramp in your abdomen.
Step 1
Discontinue your exercise upon developing a stomach cramp if you hope to get rid of it quickly.
Step 2
Bring your breathing under control. Take deep breaths, letting your abdomen rise fully. Exhale with force, letting your stomach collapse.
Step 3
Drink 1/2 liter of sports drink or electrolyte replacement fluid within five minutes, advises SportsMD. Continue to rehydrate and address a possible electrolyte imbalance with small sips of of one of these drinks or water if you experienced excessive sweating during your exercise.
Step 4
Stretch your abdominal muscles. Extend your arms straight up over your head and lean to one side at the waist. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, then repeat it to the other side.
Step 5
Massage the painful area of your stomach gently with your fingertips.
Step 6
Hold a heating pad or hot compress against the cramped muscle to help it relax. Alternatively, soak in a hot bath.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Cramp
- SportsMD; Treating and Preventing Muscle Cramps during Exercise; Terry Zeigler; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Muscle Cramp; July 2010
- Cool Running; Belly and Chest Discomfort; Josh Clark
- Military.com; How to Avoid Stomach Cramps When Running; Stew Smith
