Is Exercise Causing You Pain? Here’s What’s Normal And What Isn’t

Exercise can be quite painful at times. You need to stop for a breather on a regular basis, stretch out the cramp in your hamstring, and make sure your head isn’t pounding too much after that 10k run! Physical activity can make you ache, sure. But while a low level of pain tends to be normal, some people experience pain levels that are off the chart. However, with the idea of ‘no pain no gain’ being overwhelmingly popular, it’s also normal for a lot of people to think that exercise is supposed to hurt in this way! So, in the interest of beating back the myth, here are four examples of what’s normal and what isn’t. 

A Stitch in Your Side

What we call a ‘stitch’ is your muscle having issues with the amount of exercise you’re doing. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unfit or unprepared for the work at hand, but it does mean you might need to stop and take things easy for a bit. Thankfully, stitches are fairly normal and common and tend to disappear when you take a break. 

Feeling Stiff the Day After

This is usually a sign you didn’t adequately warm up or down, but it’s also quite normal when you’re starting a new exercise regime. Make sure you do both of the above before you hit the gym properly. When your body is ready for a workout, you’re going to be able to push yourself above and beyond. If you want to make gains this year, stretch those muscles before you do anything!

Long Term, Intense Leg Cramps

If you have to stop while out for a run or in the middle of a workout, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re trying something more intense for the first time. However, if you often have to stop to let a cramp pass, and you’ve never been able to complete a circuit because of them, it’s time to see a doctor. Somewhere like The Foot & Ankle Clinic is a good place to make an appointment, but making a standard appointment with your GP can point you in the right direction as well. 

Swelling a Few Hours Later

If you’re swelling up in the part of your body you’ve been exercising, it’s not quite a good sign either. This can be caused by a variety of factors, but overall it’s never going to be comforting to see your foot or legs twice the size just because you’ve spent 20 minutes on the treadmill! Even a minor bit of swelling can be bad news; be sure to track when you swell and for how long, and talk to a doctor as soon as possible. 

If exercise is causing you pain, it’s time to investigate. Is the cause a normal bit of exercise related aching? Or is there something more sinister at play? If you’re getting either of the latter two symptoms, you’ll only know when you’ve seen a medical professional.