Why does the left side hurt during exercise, and what should I do about it?

Jun 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
If experiencing left abdominal pain during exercise, it may be caused by overexertion, indigestion, or similar factors. If the pain is in the left leg, possible causes include lactic acid buildup or muscle strain. It's important to promptly identify the exact location of the pain and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Besides the aforementioned reasons, conditions such as intestinal spasms, intestinal obstruction, or fasciitis could also be responsible. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital to prevent worsening of the condition.

  If pain occurs in the left abdomen during exercise, it may be caused by overexertion or indigestion. If pain occurs in the left leg, it could result from lactic acid buildup or muscle strain. It is important to promptly identify the location and cause of the pain and receive targeted treatment accordingly. Specific analyses are as follows:

  I. Left Abdominal Pain

  1. Overexertion

  Engaging in intense physical activity can lead to local muscle spasms. Additionally, sudden exercise after a period of inactivity may cause excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, resulting in pain. In such cases, specific treatment is usually unnecessary; adequate rest typically relieves symptoms.

  2. Indigestion

  Regular consumption of greasy or spicy foods may lead to indigestion. When food remains in the intestines for prolonged periods, fermentation may occur, producing gas. Moreover, breathing through the mouth during exercise can cause ingestion of large amounts of air, leading to excessive gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and bloating. This may trigger cramping pain during exercise, causing discomfort in the left abdomen. Patients should take medications such as lactasin tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, or domperidone tablets as directed by a physician.

  II. Left Leg Pain

  1. Lactic Acid Buildup

  After a prolonged period of inactivity, suddenly starting to run can cause anaerobic metabolism in muscles, leading to lactic acid accumulation and resulting in pain in the left leg. Generally, no special treatment is required, and symptoms subside after several days of rest.

  2. Muscle Strain

  Running can place muscles in a state of tension. During anaerobic exercise, excessive secretion of creatine kinase may occur, leading to muscle pain. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or flurbiprofen gel patches.

  In addition to the above causes, left-side pain could also stem from intestinal spasm, intestinal obstruction, lumbar disc herniation, or fasciitis. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation and treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.


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