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The mysterious physiology of running: Why does flank pain bother most athletes?
Every year, about half of runners experience running-related injuries that vary, some are acute, like lateral abdominal pain, and some are chronic and appear over time. According to research, lateral abdominal pain or known as temporary abdominal pain caused by exercise (ETAP), is one of the common pains that runners experience when running. So, why do many athletes suffer from lateral abdominal pain while running?
About two-thirds of runners experience at least one episode of lateral abdominal pain per year.
Causes of lateral abdominal pain
The cause of lateral abdominal pain is unclear, but some scholars believe that this may involve irritation of the abdominal parenchyma. This pain usually occurs during exercise, especially after eating or with sugary drinks. If the pain occurs only during exercise and disappears completely at rest, and the body is in normal condition, a medical examination is generally not required.
In general, lateral abdominal pain may be related to the following factors:
- Eating time: Improper eating before running, such as excessive food intake, may irritate the abdomen.
- Breathing patterns: Improper breathing patterns can lead to abdominal muscle tension, increasing the risk of pain.
- Exercise intensity: Especially during high-intensity training, increased load on the muscles can also lead to episodes of lateral abdominal pain.
Acute and Chronic Injuries
In addition to lateral abdominal pain, runners may suffer other acute injuries such as strains and sprains. These injuries often occur when the intensity of exercise increases sharply and the body fails to adapt. More common, however, are chronic injuries, which are often caused by prolonged excessive exercise.
One study found that 56% of injured runners had more than one injury during the study period.
Forms of Exercise and Injury Prevention
Proper running form is crucial for injury prevention. The foot contact pattern of running will affect the distribution of forces across the body. Recent studies suggest that the gait symmetry of runners is reduced in the fatigued state, which may further increase the risk of injury.
In addition, many runners increase their chances of injury by wearing old shoes in their daily lives. High-speed athletes have a higher chance of injury if they use shoes with smaller lateral torsional stiffness.
Shoes and Running Injuries
Choosing the right footwear is also a key factor in reducing running injuries. Traditional running shoes aim to provide more support and allow runners to run more comfortably on hard surfaces. However, inappropriate footwear may put some runners at increased physical risk. In recent years, barefoot running and minimalist footwear have gradually gained attention because they may promote better running posture.
Compared to traditional running shoes, barefoot running may help improve the form of running and reduce the risk of injury, but it must not be changed hastily or it will trigger other injuries.
Conclusion
Running is a sport filled with beautiful scenery in the fields and cities, but it also comes with the potential risk of injury. Although lateral abdominal pain is prevalent, the occurrence of many injuries can be risked by appropriate training and shoe selection. As sports technology continues to advance, perhaps future runners can find better ways to reduce these discomforts. Do you already understand your physical condition and the risks of running?
