running pains

[grayson]

Well as of lately, it seems that when i run any good length i get these extremely sharp pains right above my waist and a little to the side, basically below and to the side of my bellybutton. its extremely sharp and it feels like its pretty deep in there because i, stupidly, try to jam my hand in there to maybe feel is something is sticking out or something. It's not just one side either, it happens on the right side one day, and the next time itll be left, its completely random as to which side hurts when i run. Does anyone else get these sharp pains? And does anyone know what this is, what causes it, or how to prevent it? Thanks for any help

[mysilentsigh]

the medical word for that phenomenon is splenalgia i think. supposedly it results from a circulatory disturbance (of blood flow) in/to the diaphragm. this happens to untrainend persons. solution: reduce speed till pain subsides and continue at low speed for several minutes after pain has subsided. if you eat before you jog the pains could also come from a circulatory disturbance in/to the spleen (only if it hurts on your left side).
nothing to worry about really.

[grayson]

well ive been running 3-4 miles every other day for over a year now, and it hasnt really been a problem up until lately, and i always stretch before i run, and i walk a lap before i break into a run, and i never eat anything within an 1.5 hours prior to running, i just have a shake, an apple, and some water afterwards, but nothing before.

[Girljock]

Hmm...that sounds a little low to be a side stitch. Have you changed shoes lately? Maybe you need new shoes? I get new ones about every 6 months or so. That's all I can think of off the top of my head right now.

[grayson]

good idea, i dont even have running shoes to run in so i use these old casual saucony's that i have from like 10th grade lol. they always give me blisters, but thanks ill go look into buying some running shoes.

[Girljock]

VERY important to spend some $$$ on good running shoes...and replace them often. I usually do 500 miles or 6 months...whichever comes first. And funny you should say Saucony....I used to use them...and I didn't have great luck with them. I used to get a side stitch all the time. I have NO idea if it's eve possible that it was related to the shoes, but when I changed to New Balance shoes....I NEVER had that problem again. Well...I hate to say never, but...I can't remember having it. I found NB has very good support for my feet. Put both shoes on....run around the store (no joke) and see how they are. If you can go to a local running store...they can probably look at your gait and see what shoe might be best. Give it a try.....at the very least...you'll have new shoes and we can eliminate that Good luck

[Lawrence Dunning]

Good shoes, maybe orthodics in them and also lots of stretching around the top of the hips...

[lach]

Does it hurt to lift your knee toward your chest in standing? test this with someone resisting you doing the movement.