First, don’t panic if you feel a sharp pain in the belly button, because it’s not necessarily serious. But it’s important to understand where the pain comes from and whether you need to see your doctor or not. The most common cause of belly button pain is ingrown hair, and you can treat it yourself in no time at all! Here’s what you need to know to stop the pain fast and prevent it from coming back in the future.
Appendicitis is caused by Pain near the belly button
Pain near the belly button, pain around the belly button, pain by the belly button that feels as if your appendix is causing it is most commonly due to appendicitis. Appendicitis causes abdominal pain and tenderness accompanied by fever and nausea or vomiting, which results from inflammation of your small intestine (the appendix is attached to your large intestine).
If you are suffering from appendicitis, it can be very serious; a burst appendix can be fatal. The first thing to do if you think you have appendicitis is gone to a hospital emergency room immediately; it’s better to get checked out than be stuck in limbo between deciding whether or not it could be appendicitis versus something else.
Hernia
Hernias are caused by the protrusion of an organ or structure through a part of the body. Examples include inguinal (inside groin), incisional (near incision) and umbilical (near umbilicus). In many cases, people experience pain around their belly button because of an umbilical or incisional hernia.
True abdominal hernias cause pain by going through a weak spot in your diaphragm – the muscle separating your lungs from your stomach, or by pushing against nearby organs in your abdomen. Such hernias are often diagnosed during pregnancy or after giving birth.
Diastasis recti (split stomach muscles)
Diastasis recti, also known as divarication of rectus abdominis, occurs when there is a split in your stomach muscles. This can be caused by repeated pregnancies and rapid weight gain. As your belly expands over time, gravity weakens these muscles and makes them susceptible to strain or overuse injuries.
You may also experience pain around your belly button if you suffer from lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes abdominal pain that is often described as cramping or discomfort in your lower belly area. However, it can occur anywhere in your abdomen—including around or near your belly button.
Other possible causes of pain near your Umbilicus
One possible cause of pain near your belly button is a hernia. Hernias are abnormal bulges that can form anywhere in your abdomen and groin area. As you move, breathe, eat, or exercise, you might notice pressure and discomfort in these areas.
You may even experience them while resting or lying down at night when you’re not active. You might have a hernia if your abdominal muscles and internal organs protrude through a hole in muscle tissue or into another cavity of your body. When you feel pain in the belly button is likely due to fatty tissue surrounding your intestines pushing through and causing inflammation.
How’s belly button pain treated?
The treatment you need for your belly button pain will depend on what caused it. Some causes are common and tend to go away on their own while others will require medical attention. Emergency care is sometimes necessary.
To treat a hernia
Depending on what type of hernia it is, a doctor may treat it by either opening it up surgically or using laparoscopic surgery. Generally, non-surgical treatments are not recommended, as the condition could worsen.
To treat Crohn’s disease
Treatment of this disease requires that a person takes medication and follows a care plan, which may also include surgery, stress management, nutritional counselling, and dietary supplements.
To treat indigestion
In order to determine the cause of your indigestion, you must first identify the type of foods that you are unable to process properly. For example, you may have an intolerance to dairy products, suffer from celiac disease, or have difficulty digesting a type of food that’s different from the one you typically eat.
To treat appendicitis
Known by the less serious sounding name of appendicitis, this is a condition treated with surgery, known as an appendectomy. Your doctor will either remove the appendix by making a larger incision or by using a less invasive laparoscopic procedure that requires small incisions.
To treat an ulcer
Ulcers can often be treated with antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), though occasionally surgery is necessary. Additionally, you might need antibiotics, more follow-up endoscopies, and H2 receptor blockers.
To treat round ligament pain
Generally, this condition is alleviated with daily stretches and periodic rest. Please do not forget to change positions slowly and, when appropriate, flex and bend your hips.
Conclusion
While it might be embarrassing to talk about, belly button pain is a normal problem that many people experience. If you’re experiencing pain near your belly button or around your belly button, don’t fret—it could be something as harmless as pulling a muscle. Regardless of what’s causing your pain in the belly button, it doesn’t hurt to make an appointment with your doctor just in case.
