5 Nagging Exercise Pains You'll Want to Get Checked Out

Everyone needs to exercise frequently. It keeps our energy up and weight down, helps us sleep, and improves our moods. However, sometimes exercise can cause pain beyond normal soreness. Here are a few sources of exercise pain you should have your doctor examine should they occur.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

This isn't classical asthma. Instead, it's a condition where burning lungs cause you to cough. This often happens during intense workouts and is a signal to slow down. Try varying your intensity; if you usually set your stationary bike's resistance to 8, knock it down to 5 or 6 for a few miles. Be sure to warm up adequately and breathe deeply during workouts.

Delayed Muscle Soreness

You may feel great after a workout but wake up sore and tired the next morning. WebMD.com defines this as "delayed muscle soreness." Doctors recommend that if you haven't done much exercise before you should start light and work your way up. Stretch frequently, but do so after workouts. Some physicians believe pre-workout stretching can actually lead to more painful muscles, tearing, and straining. Also, don't be tempted to skip the gym because you're sore. Keep your body working so it gets used to the activity.

Foot Pain and Blisters

Sore feet, calluses, and blisters are a major problem for active people, especially those who walk frequently. In fact, blisters can become quite severe. In those cases, see a doctor immediately. Keep your feet wrapped with gauze or bandages, and slather them with antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. If you find bruises on your feet or toenails, that can signal you've overdone your exercise. You may need to see a podiatrist to get the nail removed. When possible, go barefoot to give your feet room to breathe. If you feel pain in your foot bones or joints or the problem is chronic, consider seeing a chiropodist like the ones at wetreatsorefeet.com. The Foot Clinic specialists and others like them can fit you with custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes as needed. They can also help you find low-impact activities that take the stress off feet, like yoga or Pilates.

Tight Muscles

Tight muscles make exercise difficult, especially for those who need more help than stretching. For example, some people with cerebral palsy have hypertonic muscles, so their range of motion is limited. This can also be true for people with multiple sclerosis, bone diseases and other conditions. Seek help from a physical therapist or local podiatrist firm. In addition to more stretching, they can recommend home remedies for tight muscles like warm baths or herbal supplements.

Heart Palpitations

Your heart rate while exercising should be no more than about 220 minus your age. Any higher and you experience tachycardia. This can cause palpitations, dizziness, and nausea. If you experience any of this, stop exercising immediately, rest, and drink plenty of water. Exercise pain is often part of the package, but some pains and conditions should never be ignored. If you frequently experience any of these conditions, see a medical professional and be proactive about solutions.