exertion headache

[Myelomawarrior]

hi just after some alternatives to dioralyte.

I have started to get a headache about 90 mins after a run (5k). On a suggestion I tried a dioralyte and it worked, within 20 mins headache was gone, just wondering if anyone else suffers and if they have an alternative, dioralyte tastes horrible and just reminds me of being ill!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

If it's dehydration there are a lot of rehydration drinks out there, some are in tablet form that you put in water or there are ready made sports type drinks. Or you can make your own with salt and sugar, you'll need to look up the amounts. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day and you shouldn't get dehydrated.

If it carries on though it might be worth talking to your doctor and getting checked over.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Might be worth getting a movement specialist to look at how you are running to see if there's tension building up somewhere producing this, whether that's how you carry your head, what's going on with your hands (are they fists?), how you are landing.

And you could consider keeping your both your head and particularly your neck warm - buffs are great for this as lightweight and easy to whip off if you get too warm.

Attention to general hydration may be preventative too - drinking enough before a run, drinking water as soon as you finish.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

My thoughts too...hat and buff... and good hydration habits.

[drl212 Graduate]

Agree with all of the above!! If they persist after trying these suggestions, do see your health care provider.

Let us know...

[Myelomawarrior in reply to drl212]

Thank you everyone, it is something I used to get when doing a 10k (many years ago!) BP is fine. I really thought I was hydrated enough, always drink before run and a good pint when I got back (water!) but I do sweat buckets! I was surprised the dioralyte worked.

Had gait analysis done recently and that was all ok, neutral foot alignment, however I do struggle a bit with right shin so something isn’t quite right, but then I am 50 so things start to go a bit wonky!!!

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Myelomawarrior]

You need to keep well hydrated *every* day, even the non running recovery days.

How much are you drinking? Standard advice for everyone is around 2 litres per day. People who exercise need more. I drink at least 3 litres daily…water, tea, and fruity/herbal teas.

[Trailslogg Graduate]

For me it is dehydration-related. I try to make sure that I drink plenty throughout the day (I run in the afternoon) and to down a large cup of water or herbal tea as soon as I come home, and another one after I stretch, and that helps...