Is pain a sign that your body’s strength is waning? No, it’s not precisely like that. It’s not called “delayed onset muscular soreness” for nothing, after all. But some pains, no matter how tough you are, aren’t worth ignoring.

No matter if your shoulder, hips, or knees are bothering you (or you’re worried about them), use the tips below to assist you decide on a course of action.

There are five different types of workout pains to be aware of when you are doing them:

Sharp pain

A piercing or sharp pain while exercising (or at any other moment) is a warning sign that something is wrong. A typical physiological response is not to become more acute. If you’re in excruciating pain, it’s a sign that something in your body isn’t working properly.

Impingement of a tendon such as at the shoulder is a typical source of intense pain. Other common causes include a loose body, such as a bony fragment, or a bone-on-bone contact. If the sharp pain just comes once, it’s most likely a one-off and not cause for alarm.

However, if you have any concerns, seeing your doctor right away is always a smart idea.

Pain with swelling

The presence of swelling together with pain typically suggests a more serious problem. The body sends inflammatory chemicals to the area when it swells. When an injury occurs, the body is unable to distinguish between distinct structures, so a lot of blood and other substances are sent to the affected area or joint, causing a widespread swelling to develop.

If swelling lingers or returns after exercise, there is certainly still damage to that tissue. Inflammation is our body’s way of healing.

Localized pain

When you have discomfort in only one location, that’s another red flag. There should be no ignoring any pain that appears to be localized. As an illustration, the discomfort isn’t just dull; it’s acute and centered in your groin. If the discomfort is short-lived, there may be no need to be alarmed. If a certain workout causes you pain, it’s a good idea to have something checked out.

Pain that gets worse during your workout

If your discomfort worsens as you exercise longer or more intensively, you may be injuring that particular tissue or joint even more, and you should stop exercising immediately. Stop performing whatever it is you’re doing if your pain level exceeds five – one is no pain, and ten is terrible pain.

Painful pops

Stop if you hear a pain-accompanied pop. Tears and partial dislocations are frequently indicated by an audible “pop.” In the case of an acute injury, a ligament or tendon is frequently torn. However, you should learn about your own body’s norms as well. Shoulder, knee, and other joint clicking or grinding is a common concern. If the ‘noises’ aren’t painful, they’re not necessarily alarming.

If you are experiencing any of the above forms of pain, follow these steps:

First and foremost, if you experience any of these sorts of pain while working out, stop immediately.

Important

If you have any reason to believe there’s something fishy going on, take some time off. It’s not necessary to see a doctor unless the pain is excruciating and you’re unable to bear weight on it. Allow yourself one to two weeks of rest and observe how you feel after that time. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and gentle stretching can all be beneficial in relieving pain and swelling.

If your condition hasn’t improved after a week or two, consult a doctor or a physical therapist about scheduling an appointment. If you suspect an overuse injury, which accounts for the majority of workout-related ailments, seek treatment from a physical therapist right once. Physical therapists do not require a prescription from your physician in most states and insurance plans.

Exercise-induced discomfort is common, whereas exercise-induced pain is uncommon. To find out more, schedule an appointment with your physician or physical therapist. Don’t forget to pay attention to your body; it knows what’s best for you.