How Can I Avoid Getting a Stitch?
Scientists call a stitch event-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). Although there are some clues to go on, the jury is still out on what causes that strange, jabbing pain.
Often, a stitch—that agonizing pain just beneath the ribs—happens during bouncing activities, such as jogging and horse riding. This has led some scientists to theorize that stitches are caused by ligaments attached to your internal organs being strained from repeated jolts.
Another theory is that the up-down internal roller coaster may be stemming the blood supply to your diaphragm (the tough sheet of muscle at the bottom of the chest that tugs down to inflate your lungs when you breathe in), causing it to cramp.
You’re also more likely to get a stitch when exercising right after eating a meal or slurping a sugary drink—leading to yet another theory that the pain stems from cramping of the intestines or lack of blood to the guts.
Although elite athletes are not immune from side stitches, generally, the fitter you are, the less likely it is that you’ll suffer them. It’s not easy to avoid them—but there are some steps you can take to keep them at bay. And if a stitch does hit, ease up and wait until it passes.
Want to avoid those pesky stitches?
1
Start exercise slowly and pace yourself. A stitch is more likely to happen if you suddenly exert yourself.
2
Avoid eating and drinking very sugary drinks just before exercise (sports drinks are usually fine).
3
Keep an upright posture so that you don’t cramp your diaphragm or intestines.