Suprapubic Pain While Running
Most of the considerable burden that running places on your musculoskeletal system is absorbed by your legs, where muscles, tendons and ligaments are routinely sore or injured. But your lower abdomen, or suprapubic region, as the site of attachment to the pelvis of many important trunk-stabilizing muscles, can become painful during running as well, either as a result of running itself or through the aggravation of an underlying disorder.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Osteitis Pubis
Inflammation of the pubic symphysis, the soft structure in the midline where the left and right pubic bones meet, is called osteitis pubis. Pain and tenderness usually sets in gradually and ranges in quality from dull to sharp. This pain usually is worst in the front and center of the pubic bone, where the symphysis lies, but it may radiate into the inner thighs. Stress overload from training too hard is a major cause, especially in those with biomechanical imbalance such as a leg-length discrepancy. Try taking a break from running, using anti-inflammatories and icing the area; later, strengthening and stretching exercises can help prevent a recurrence.
- Inflammation of the pubic symphysis, the soft structure in the midline where the left and right pubic bones meet, is called osteitis pubis.
- This pain usually is worst in the front and center of the pubic bone, where the symphysis lies, but it may radiate into the inner thighs.
Sports Hernia
What to Do With a Pulled Groin on a Woman?
Learn More
A sports hernia -- alternatively called Gilmore's groin or athletic pubalgia -- is similar to an intestinal hernia in that abdominal-wall weakness increases susceptibility 1. However, a sports hernia does not involve protrusion of bowel through the abdominal fascia. In a sports hernia, pain results from a tear where the groin muscles attach to the pelvis. Treatment may involve surgery and the placement of a synthetic mesh, but your healthcare provider will probably first recommend rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, icing the area and possibly physical therapy.
- A sports hernia -- alternatively called Gilmore's groin or athletic pubalgia -- is similar to an intestinal hernia in that abdominal-wall weakness increases susceptibility 1.
- In a sports hernia, pain results from a tear where the groin muscles attach to the pelvis.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Running is a notorious provocateur of gastrointestinal distress in runners. Mark Jenkins, M.D., of Rice University says that over half of runners and triathletes experience some type of gastrointestinal pain. Flatulence, diarrhea, bloating and cramps can cause pain anywhere in the lower belly and suprapubic region. Dr. Jenkins suggests drinking beverages containing less than 10 percent glucose by volume, since more concentrated drinks are absorbed more slowly and have therefore been implicated in causing gastrointestinal symptoms in runners both in training and in competition.
- Running is a notorious provocateur of gastrointestinal distress in runners.
- Mark Jenkins, M.D., of Rice University says that over half of runners and triathletes experience some type of gastrointestinal pain.
Other Causes
Groin Pain After Golf
Learn More
Cathy Fieseler, M.D., notes that a host of underlying disorders of the pelvis can manifest as suprapubic pain during running. Irritation of the urinary tract and celiac disease can occur in both sexes, and if you're a woman, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease secondary to an infection and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle all need to be ruled out. Dehydration can worsen all of these conditions; anti-inflammatory medications may help with the pain of menstrual cramps.
Related Articles
References
- CyberPT: Sports Hernia (Athletic Pubalgia)
- Farber AJ, Wilckens JH. Sports hernia: diagnosis and therapeutic approach. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2007;15(8):507-14. doi:10.5435/00124635-200708000-00007
- Minnich JM, Hanks JB, Muschaweck U, Brunt LM, Diduch DR. Sports hernia: diagnosis and treatment highlighting a minimal repair surgical technique. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(6):1341-9. doi:10.1177/0363546511402807
- Khan W, Zoga AC, Meyers WC. Magnetic resonance imaging of athletic pubalgia and the sports hernia: current understanding and practice. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2013;21(1):97-110. doi:10.1016/j.mric.2012.09.008
- Shetty VD, Shetty NS, Shetty AP. Groin pain in athletes: a novel diagnostic approach. SICOT J. 2015;1:16. doi:10.1051/sicotj/2015017
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Sports hernia (athletic pubalgia). Updated June 2017.
Writer Bio
L.T. Davidson has been a professional writer and editor since 1994. He has been published in "Triathlete," "Men's Fitness" and "Competitor." A former elite cyclist with a Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Miami, Davidson is now in the broadcast news business.