If you work out regularly, pain and stress on your muscles is expected, especially for a few hours after exercise. In cases where you are new to working out, trying new routines or if you have an underlying medical condition, joint pain can appear. If pain or discomfort persists -- especially pain deep in your joints, you may need to seek medical attention to rule out a serious problem.
Symptoms
When you are in the middle of an exercise and you are engaging in intense physical activity, you may not realize when you pull a muscle or strain a tendon somewhere in your body. It may not be until your cool down period or long after you are relaxed that joint pain begins to set in. Joint pain often feels different than normal muscle pain and discomfort. The pain can be described as burning, sharp and, in some cases, piercing, as you move and sometimes at rest. Joint pain can be isolated to one location or it can involve your entire body. Joint pain can cause muscles to tighten throughout the body which can lead to cramping and muscle spasms. In severe cases, your joints can feel like they are locking up -- making movement extremely painful and in some cases impossible.
Considerations
Joint pain is most often found in the knees and hips. If your body is overworked during a workout, it can be difficult for muscles to recover right away. Your arms and back can also be easily affected depending on your workout style. Your joints can take the brunt of your muscles trying to make up for extra movement or repetitions that are too strenuous or being done incorrectly. If you are unsure if a particular exercise or workout routine is right for you, it is important to seek the advice of a personal trainer or fitness professional to make sure you are moving correctly and not overdoing your repetitions. If you are experiencing severe pain, have redness and swelling or are unable to apply pressure or weight to a joint, seek immediate medical help.
Causes
Joint pain is generally caused from the workout itself, but in some cases an underlying medical problem could make joint pain more prevalent. One condition that causes inflammation and pain with the body's connective tissues is lupus. If you have lupus, you may experience more joint pain after a workout. Arthritis that has settled into a particular joint can also trigger joint pain after a workout. Some types of infections including the flu and Lyme disease can also make joint pain worse. If you have an old joint or muscle injury, joint pain can occur after using those muscles and joints repetitively.
Solution
Two of the best things you can do to get the most out of your workout and avoid crippling joint pain are to warm up properly to prepare for your workout and stretch your muscles afterward. Dynamic stretches pre-workout that involve range of motion exercises, lengthen the fascia, therefore increasing body temperature and preparing the joints for a workout. Stretching and a slow aerobic introduction will help improve blood flow and loosen up tight muscles and joints. Post-workout, light stretching may help relax muscles and improve flexibility. Drink plenty of water to prevent hydration, otherwise you may experience muscle spasms and joint discomfort. Wear comfortable and supportive footwear -- this will reduce the stress placed on your joints.
