Why am I getting a stitch?

1985Andy

Hi folks,

Over the last few weeks when I've been playing football (soccer) and in a 10km race I did recently I've been getting a painful stitch.

I can't really understand it as I am currently the fittest I've been in years and I am not doing any pre-match preparation any different.

I'm 40+lbs lighter than I was last year but I didn't get a stitch then.

It doesn't make any sense to me that I should be a fit as I am, but yet only just start to suffer from getting a stitch.. Unless there is something I'm missing!

What do you think friends?

Cheers,

Andy

alpine1994

This happens to me once in a while. Here's an article from sportsmedicine.com for what causes it and tips to prevent it. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a/aa053100a.htm

Basically it says that there are no definitive studies but drinking concentrated juices high in carbs right before exercising can trigger it, as well as exhaling when your right foot hits the ground (because it causes greater forces on the liver). Personally, I can (usually) prevent them by concentrating on my breathing. If I stop thinking about my breathing I tend to take rapid small breaths which makes me get a stitch pretty quickly.

You can stop it by placing your hand into the right side of your belly and pushing up while inhaling and exhaling evenly.

1985Andy

Thank you Alpine, that makes a lot of sense. I appreciate your help