Dizziness/Treadmill

Jules9991 · 02-06-2008, 01:19 PM

Has anyone ever had this problem or know anything about it? If yes I would GREATLY appreciate some advice.

I have been running on the treadmill for years. I run outside as well sometimes, but for convenience i run mostly on the t.m. at the gym. However, since this past fall I have been feeling sort of dizzy and lightheaded when I run on it and i feel as if I could fall or lose my coordination. At one point I was running 20-35 miles a week and I built up a pretty good pace so this has me beside myself.

I have tried running slower and this doesn't help either. It is so weird! There has not been a change in my diet or anything like that so I am having trouble pin pointing it.

Please help!!!

imperfectly_lou · 02-06-2008, 02:38 PM

Is it ONLY happening on the treadmill? Have you tried running outside instead? (much better for running long distance anyway IMO)

terracotta · 02-06-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

Is it ONLY happening on the treadmill? Have you tried running outside instead? (much better for running long distance anyway IMO)

Except perhaps in winter

Jules9991 · 02-06-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperfectly_lou

Is it ONLY happening on the treadmill? Have you tried running outside instead? (much better for running long distance anyway IMO)

Well I have been feeling a little more dizzy in general lately BUT the only thing that is really being affected is running on the t.m. I am limited as to when I can run outside because of my work schedule. I got to the gym in the a.m. when it's still dark out. When I can, i do run outside. But I have been running for years & years on the t.m. with no problem so I just can't figure this out. And it gets embarassing when I have to keep jumping my feet on the sides because I feel like I'm going to fall....I have been so frustrated with this.

freebirdmac · 02-06-2008, 03:30 PM

Go see a doc. It sounds like a fluid on the inner ear type problem. It would be more pronounced on a treadmill as that can really tax your inner gyroscope. You don't want something like that to progress. Vertigo is not fun. The whole room spins like you did some serious drinking

trish123 · 02-06-2008, 03:45 PM

You know what though, that happened to me after I stupidly turned around to shout at someone while running, lost my footing, and almost fell (not-so-gracefully caught myself though). Looked awesome, btw :P Anyway since then I've developed this mental complex about running on the TM. It's a mental game for me. When I run on it, I feel dizzy and worry I'll fall. I've gotta kick it though.

trainwithrae · 02-06-2008, 05:49 PM

are you eating before you run? if so when do you eat, 30 minutes, an hour before? It could be your blood sugar.....

Jules9991 · 02-06-2008, 06:30 PM

Thank you for all your responses! To answer some of the questions: I don't watch TV while running & I do eat before I workout...I have to or I'd have no energy. I think I may see a DR because maybe there is an ear problem or something like that. But sometimes I wonder if some of it may be mental (as one of you said has happened to you.) I keep trying & I won't give up because I used to enjoy it so much!!

I would post a better reply but my comp. is acting all crazy right now.

Thank you so much for all the tips! I am glad I finally asked on here...I have been waiting MONTHS!

Jules9991 · 02-06-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trish123

You know what though, that happened to me after I stupidly turned around to shout at someone while running, lost my footing, and almost fell (not-so-gracefully caught myself though). Looked awesome, btw :P Anyway since then I've developed this mental complex about running on the TM. It's a mental game for me. When I run on it, I feel dizzy and worry I'll fall. I've gotta kick it though.

Thank you for sharing that...makes me feel like i am not alone with this or going crazy! How long has it been since that "incident" happened?

Jules9991 · 02-06-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Go see a doc. It sounds like a fluid on the inner ear type problem. It would be more pronounced on a treadmill as that can really tax your inner gyroscope. You don't want something like that to progress. Vertigo is not fun. The whole room spins like you did some serious drinking

Thank you...I will go see my doc eventually.

imperfectly_lou · 02-07-2008, 11:20 AM

I agree with the poster who said it sounds like some sort of inner ear infection. I would get it checked out asap because you will need antibiotics.

futuremd · 02-07-2008, 08:15 PM

im gunna have to say ditto to everyone here......sounds like an ear problem(i am in medical school and we just got done with ENT) but i (since i dont know your reply) also agree with the one woman who posted that it could be your blood sugar.....what ever it is, dont push yourself too hard till you know whats going on

Julie5150 · 02-08-2008, 06:20 AM

I agree with others - see a Dr, it might be an infection.

But it sounds a bit like how i use to be - I was eventually diagnosed as being anemic (a b12 deficiency brought down my iron levels and induced dizzy sugar-lows and a weird "high" feeling) .. so, I had to take B12 shots and Iron pills to balance things out for a while.

trish123 · 02-08-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules9991

Thank you for sharing that...makes me feel like i am not alone with this or going crazy! How long has it been since that "incident" happened?

That happened about four months ago, to be honest. So for cardio I've been running on the track or eliptical. I swear, I've tried running on the tm and am ok at the slower speeds, but when I get back to my normal speeds I end up gently hanging on off/on. But then your arms aren't pumping and it's just all messed up.

If I were more persistent about it I'd make myself work through it. But as long as there are other cardio options I just haven't re-dedicated myself to the tm yet.

girl81 · 02-08-2008, 11:05 AM

I would have him/her check your bp as well.

Jules9991 · 02-08-2008, 11:56 AM

I am going to go to the dr. I am way over due for blood work & all that fun stuff. It is just such an unusual situation for me & is really, really effecting me. It has been depressing me so much. I love running. And it has always helped keep me in shape so much. And I live in New England so at this time of year it's not always possible to run outside, especially when it is dark when i get home from work (and snowing!!)
It's just been going on so long (since about oct or nov of 07) so I just thought if it was an ear problem/infection it would have got worse by now.
I have also wondered about the blood sugar and so i have experimented with either not eating, eating an hour before, or eating a half hour before i go to the gym and it's always the same...and it's always the same no matter how much I eat, whether a small snack or a larger meal...URGH! So frustrating.

Thank you so much for all the responses. I was nervous to post this and didn't think anyone would want to answer it!!!

You guys rock!

freebirdmac · 02-08-2008, 12:14 PM

Hey, while you are getting blood work done ask to have your vitamin D levels checked. It's not standard testing...yet, but they're finding most of us are deficient.

And, glad you're going! It's probably a minor thing easily resolved.

Jules9991 · 02-10-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebirdmac

Hey, while you are getting blood work done ask to have your vitamin D levels checked. It's not standard testing...yet, but they're finding most of us are deficient.

And, glad you're going! It's probably a minor thing easily resolved.

Ok...I will. Thank you!