When it occurs in the muscles that you are targeting, feeling sore or tender is often taken as a necessary side effect of a workout. Soreness in your nipples, however, is not as positive and can make your workouts painful and uncomfortable. While it may be a sign that you are not wearing the proper clothing, soreness in your nipples may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Jogger's Nipple
Whether or not running is a part of your workout, you may develop runner's nipple, or chafed nipples, if you are wearing a top that is abrasive, loose or otherwise ill-fitting when you lift weights. As a loose top will rub against your nipples during your workout, this can lead to chafing and nipple pain. A more abrasive fabric can lead to more aggressive runner's nipple, potentially leading to cracking, bruising and bleeding. By wearing a soft, breathable undershirt, taping or lubricating your nipples or going topless, you may be able to avoid nipple soreness when weightlifting.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that leads to swelling in your chest. Although due to an increase in estrogen and swelling in the mammary glands, this condition can affect men as well as women. This leads to swelling and tenderness around the nipples, causing them to protrude and potentially contributing to jogger's nipple. As this typically arises from changes in testosterone and other hormones, the soreness in your nipples may be due to the use of supplements that contain or mimic testosterone, medications or hormone-replacement therapies.
Infection and Cysts
If your nipples become cracked or otherwise cut due to jogger's nipple, you may develop an infection. While chronic infection is a common cause of cysts, you may also develop a cyst due to other internal or external influences. Cysts typically manifest as tender, possibly painful lumps under or near your nipples that you are able to feel through your skin. If it is very painful and does not pass quickly, your doctor may use a needle to drain the fluid from your cyst or perform surgery to remove it entirely.
Fibroadenoma and Cancer
Although rare, men can develop benign breast lumps known as fibroadenomas. While these rubbery feeling, noncancerous lumps may not be sore to the touch, they can force your nipples to protrude and may lead to sensitivity or soreness. If you feel a hard lump and your nipples are red, scaly and producing discharge, this may be a sign of cancer. As such, it is essential that you consult with your doctor as soon as you notice any lumps or swelling in your chest that may be causing your sore nipples.
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