When does pain during exercise mean an injury?
Rony@windowslive.com
28 June 2025
2 Min Read

“Ever heard someone say:
‘If you feel pain in your knee or shoulder during a workout, just push through it—your body will adapt!’

🚫 But should we really ignore all pain?

The truth is:
Ignoring joint pain during or after workouts isn’t just a mistake—it could be the start of a long-term injury cycle, like:

  • Tendon tears: Sudden sharp pain, limited movement, and difficulty lifting or bending.

  • Arthritis: Starts as mild discomfort but progresses to stiffness, swelling, and movement restriction.

  • Joint degeneration (cartilage wear): Creaking sounds, persistent pain, and instability in the joint.

⚠️ Important:
These injuries don’t happen overnight—they often begin with a “minor” pain that’s been ignored too many times.

💡 Smart training doesn’t mean pushing through pain,
It means understanding your body’s signals and knowing when to push… and when to pause.
Pain is a message—are you reading it right?


🤔 Muscle soreness or real injury?

Normal post-workout soreness:
– Mild muscle tightness or fatigue
– Appears 12–24 hours after exercise, fades within 48–72 hours
– Usually relieved with rest and light stretching

Serious pain? Watch for:

  • Sharp, stabbing pain: May indicate a tear in muscles or ligaments

  • Deep joint pain (not muscle): Could mean inflammation or cartilage injury

  • Pain that increases with exercise: Likely a real injury, especially if it stops your workout

  • Swelling or visible bruising: Possible tear or internal bleeding

  • Pain even at rest or while sleeping: Needs medical attention

  • Recurrent pain in the same area: A chronic injury, poor technique, or repetitive strain


🎯 Bottom line:
Don’t follow every popular tip—follow your body.