Should You Run Through a Stitch?

Push on the stitch
If you feel a stitch coming on, stop running and step out of the way. Locate the stitch and place your hand in the location where you feel the stitch coming on. Push on the area while inhaling. Each time you exhale, push a little deeper into the painful spot.

Why do I get such a bad stitch when I run?

A current explanation is that during running, the stitch is caused by the weight of organs such as the stomach, spleen and liver pulling on ligaments that connect them to the diaphragm. Perhaps the jolting of the organs while running puts strain on these ligaments resulting in the stitch.

Why do I get a stitch when I run?

When running, there is increased abdominal pressure pushing up on the diaphragm. At the same time, rapid breathing can cause the lungs to press down on the diaphragm, a muscle that if “pinched” from above and below, gets less blood flow and spasms, resulting in painful side stitches.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.