When should you stop exercising due to joint pain?
Regular movement builds strength, supports joint health, improves balance and can help prevent many chronic conditions.
At Salem Health Orthopedics, providers say some mild soreness after a new workout is typical, and to be expected.
But Tommy Vu, PA-C, said pain is not always something to “push through.”
“A guide that I typically go by is that DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) muscle soreness should be mild, improve over a few days, and not change how you walk, move or use a joint,” he said. “Pain that is sharp, worsening or associated with swelling, weakness or loss of function deserves attention.”
Vu said there are a few red flags to look out for when considering if a visit to an orthopedist is needed.
Pain has not improved after four weeks
“Most minor muscle and soft-tissue injuries improve with relative rest, activity modification and a gradual return to exercise,” said Vu. “If pain has lasted four weeks without meaningful improvement, it is time to be evaluated.”
The physician associate said persistent pain may be caused by an overuse injury, tendon problem, stress injury or arthritis. Continuing to put pressure on these injuries can potentially worsen them over time.
Swollen, warm or stiff joints
Another warning sign is if the joint is swollen, warm or stiff. Vu said swelling is the body’s response to irritation or injury, and a swollen joint should not be exposed to repeated stress.
He recommends patients pay attention to swelling that:
- Appears soon after an injury
- Keeps returning with activity
- Does not improve with rest
- Is associated with warmth, redness or marked stiffness
- Limits bending, straightening or normal use of the joint
“If swelling is accompanied by fever, significant redness or feeling unwell, seek urgent medical care,” said Vu.
Visible deformities and changes in shape
The physician associate also urges patients to watch out for visible deformities.
“A joint, bone, muscle or tendon that looks visibly different after an injury should not be ignored,” said Vu. “Examples include a joint that appears out of place, a new bump or dip, a crooked limb or sudden bruising.”
Vu said these deformities can signal a fracture, dislocation, tendon rupture or other significant injury.
Unstable joints that give out
The physician associate notes a joint should feel dependable during daily activities and exercise.
“If your knee buckles, ankle repeatedly rolls, shoulder feels as though it may slip out or you feel unable to trust the joint, stop the activity,” said Vu. “Instability can occur after ligament injuries, tendon injuries, joint dislocations or problems with strength and movement control.”
Severe, sudden pain
Finally, Vu recommends being on the lookout for severe, sudden pain.
“Seek evaluation when pain causes you to stop immediately, prevents you from bearing weight, makes it difficult to use an arm or leg or causes a significant limp,” he said.
Other warning signs include a popping sound followed by pain, inability to perform a movement you could do before, numbness and tingling.
“These symptoms can indicate an injury that should not be managed by simply ‘waiting it out,’” said Vu.
The physician associate said, ultimately, reassurance can be worth it, as early evaluation can clarify a diagnosis.
“The goal is not to avoid exercise,” said Vu. “It is to exercise smarter, recover appropriately and protect your ability to keep moving.”
Orthopedic care
Is an injury preventing you from returning to exercise? Learn more about: