You know, the stabbing pain in the side when you exert yourself? What are they and why do we get them and most importantly, how do you get rid of them?

I had my first one in ages on my run today and couldn't get rid of it. I tried stretching that side and all sorts. Any advice?

Thanks
Jo

Try drinking more water! Sometimes that can be a sign of dehydration. So I would say sit down, put your feet up and drink 8 ounces of water, sipping over about 30 minute time period and that should help.

Raise your arms above your head and keep 'em there until the stitch passes. I think this does something with the intercostals, helping them open up, but I'm not sure--I just know it works. It was taught to me by a pro volleyball player.

Hoping you don't have to put it to the test though. Stitches just SUCK.

Anyone know how to get run of shin splints!??????

I really need some sort of solution as it's prohibiting by progress as i'm in so much pain.

i meant to say rid instead of run!

Shin Splints - Aspirin and stretches are the only things I know about.. I used to use ice/heat on them during tennis.. don't know if that really helped or not.

For stitches, focus on exhaling when the foot opposite the side the stitch is on hits the ground. IF that doesn't work, do same side.

Stitches aren't just about muscles, the ligaments and junk that keep your organs in place can get irritated, although that makes me queasy when I think about it while running.

Funny you should say that, I felt like my insides were slopping about all over the place during my run today and towards the end, I got the stitch. Hmmmm!??

I usually find drinking water right before I start exercising causes stitches for me...so I will drink say 15 minutes before and then straight after..I keep really hydrated...I dunno what causes them though...

someone made a post about this awhile back and i found a good article that explained the reason why you might get them. if you want you can google for the info or look back to an old thread for the article as well.

A stitch is caused when you're spleen is struggling to absorb the blood and process it. (At least, I think. This is from memory of what we learned in secondary school).

As far as I am aware the spleen is a bit like a sponge and soaks up the blood as part of the cycle of the blood going around your body. (Don't ask me exactly what the spleen does). The old wives tale was normally that you had eaten to soon before exercising and your body was struggling with all the activity. Basically the spleen just gets clogged with all the blood rushing through and needs you to ease up a bit so that it can catch up. Best thing is to ease off until it sorts itself though don't stop, as the circulation will gradually help it to flow ok.
(Always works for me, though I can't remember the last time I actually suffered with a stitch.)

Shin splints are a muscle imbalance where the front of the leg is weaker in relation to your calf muscle. This muscle is rarely used outside of running, as its main function is to raise your toes upward. Some therapists advocate building the strength of the muscle by placing a plate on your toes and literally practicing raising your toes under resistance. When I last had it, I personally just kept up the running in small increments and the imbalance took care of itself. However, I did often tape my shins up. This is because the pain occurs as the muscle along your shin bone is over-stressed and contracts. As a result the tension upon the muscle causes it to come away from the bone causing the discomfort. Also, this tension is exerted onto the bone, which is why in extreme cases you hear of stress fractures. By taping the shin down, the muscle is hindered from coming away from the bone limiting the discomfort.

Thats my 2 cents worth!

I thought you had abdominal surgery or something. I've never heard the term "stitches" used to describe that.

Maybe its an english thing?

Nope, that's how I know 'em, and thankfully I've only have ever had to enjoy them twice in my life.

FWIW, I recall that volleyballist recommending a slower pace while the arms are raised, until the stitch passes.

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't get one today.

But then again, I didn't go running....

I read something about this recently, and kicking myself as to where. From what I remember, it was something to do with incorrect breathing, and your chest muscles not working in sync with abdominal muscles thus your diaphragm bearing the brunt? (I'm not a medic!)

Just searched on Technorati, and found this article ... not the one I read / was after, but says similar. HTH.

This totally worked for me!

It works 99% of the time for me too. Glad to hear it. Sometimes I take a few minutes in the middle of a run and practice it even when I'm not having any stitches. I reckon it prevents them from occurring too.