The more commonly used term for pyelonephritis is kidney infection. The condition usually occurs when bacteria spreads from your bladder. Treatment with antibiotics depends on the infection’s severity and could include hospitalization. A kidney infection will cause discomfort, but you don’t have to avoid exercising if you stick with activities that don’t cause additional pain and closely follow your doctor’s directions.
Symptoms
When you’re first diagnosed with a kidney infection, you will most likely be told to rest and avoid exercise until your fever lowers. In the early stages of the infection, you won’t feel well enough to exercise. Symptoms range in severity and include nausea, vomiting and pain when you urinate. You’ll experience lower back pain that often runs down your side and flank. Once your fever starts to break, you should ease into your exercise routine slowly so as not to exacerbate your symptoms.
Hydration
Drinking water is one of the most important habits you need to maintain while you’re healing, according to the Mayo Clinic website. You’ll need to take antibiotics to clear up the infection and non-inflammatory over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen for pain, but drinking a sufficient amount of water continuously before, during and after exercising will help to flush the toxins from your kidneys and aid in your recovery.
Moderation
As your fever begins to wane, you should refrain from intense exercise and keep your routines moderate. Start with walking instead of running. Slow to moderate cycling, swimming, rowing and riding a stationary bike are appropriate in the early stages of the disease. Stop if you feel flushed or overheated. A sauna can relieve a sore back and abdominal pains. You most likely will experience the most discomfort in your lower back as a result of the infection. Heat can relieve the pain as well as moderate exercises that stretch your lower back such as yoga or tai chi.
Warning
Certain antibiotics used to treat pyelonephritis can lead to complications you may notice while exercising. Though rare, the drug ciprofloxacin can cause nerve damage and other abnormal sensory issues. Stop exercising and call your doctor if you feel any tingling in your feet or hands while working out. If you are having a reaction to the kidney infection treatment, you may find that your strength is compromised and you experience painful sensitivity to light or changing temperatures. Diarrhea is another possible side effect. While you’re on the strong antibiotics for a week to 10 days, stick close to home or near a restroom when you work out and continuously drink water.
