Enthusiasm for exercising is a good thing, and should be encouraged. But there are some things to consider before starting exercise, especially if you have an injury or underlying conditions. Here are a few scenarios I have come across in my practice.
Jenny, a 30-year-old gym enthusiast, has been experiencing pain in her left wrist for several weeks, especially when performing exercises such as push-ups.
It is likely Jenny is suffering from wrist tendonitis. The first thing to do is determine the range of movement in the wrist: if she can move the left and the non-painful right wrist in all directions to similar degrees, it is unlikely there is any serious damage to the tendon.
Jenny should consider consulting a doctor if the wrist pain and limited movement have resulted from a fall on the outstretched hand, as it could be a fracture. Medical attention will also be needed if the pain does not resolve after seven days, or if the wrist starts swelling and that progressively worsens over 24 hours.
I have seen patients with different types of tendonitis injuries of the wrist, shoulder and Achilles, who are surprised that the pain does not resolve, especially if they persist in the same type of exercise which continues to inflame the injury.
If a part of your body is hurting while performing a certain exercise, don't be a hero and push past the pain. Pain is telling you to rest that muscle or tendon until it has healed. Many people do not want to miss training time, but this will further damage the tendon and can delay the return to exercise.