As expected of an activity with a wide range of benefits, running increases the stress load practically everywhere in your body. When you run, you're keenly aware of breathing hard and the growing fatigue in your legs. Pain of some sort is virtually inevitable. Many runners, however, are surprised when their lower gastrointestinal tract -- including the rectum -- becomes the focus of soreness and discomfort.
Types of Rectal Pain
Rectal pain, according to Dr. Mark Jenkins of SportsMed Web, can be divided into two types, musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal. Musculoskeletal rectum pain originates at the base of the spine and is comparatively rare, while nonmusculoskeletal rectum pain is common and may result from a weakening of the muscles of the pelvic floor, especially in women. The most frequent suspects include a partially prolapsed rectum and neurogenic pain resulting from compression of the perineal nerve.
Hemorrhoids
According to "Running Times" magazine, the location of hemorrhoids -- which are, in effect, varicose veins like those seen in the lower leg -- dictates how much pain they cause. Those found deep in the rectum are generally painless but may bleed freely. External, visible hemorrhoids are painful but less likely to bleed. The increase in abdominal pressure associated with running may cause blood clots to form in the affected veins. This condition is quite painful, and these clots should be surgically removed. Staying well-hydrated and coating your hemorrhoids with Vaseline before a run can reduce discomfort.
Muscle Spasms
Transient spasms of the muscles serving the rectum and anus can be particularly painful. One such malady, proctalgia fugax, is thought to be caused by a spasm of the pelvic-floor muscles, while a closely related condition, levator ani syndrome, results from a spasm of the anal sphincter. According to the Patient UK website, studies show that these conditions affect as many as one in six and one in 15 people, respectively. Both afflictions may be associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or a diet lacking fiber. Both types of pain are of the "shooting" sort, and usually disappear as suddenly as they arise. Though distressing, these conditions are benign. As of the time of publication, there was no known cure for either of these, but medications and biofeedback all showed the potential to at least reduce the severity of symptoms.
Anal Fissure
Anal fissures are painful tears in the mucosa of the anus and are usually caused by the forced extrusion of a large, dry fecal mass. Blood on the toilet tissue is a good indicator of an anal fissure when hemorrhoids are not suspected. These fissures usually heal by themselves as long as you don't keep producing similarly dry and massive stools, but stool softeners and dietary modifications, such as eating more fiber, can help prevent a recurrence. Topical analgesics can ease discomfort as the fissure or fissures heal.
