Sports Injury or Just Sore? How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do Next)

After an intense workout or big game, it’s normal to feel sore. But when discomfort lingers or becomes sharp and limiting, it might be more than just muscle soreness. Knowing the difference is key to preventing further damage and ensuring a safe recovery.
 

Understanding Muscle Soreness

Muscle soreness, often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness, usually appears 12-24 hours after exercise and peaks within 48-72 hours. It’s caused by microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, which is part of the body’s natural repair and strengthening process.
Typical signs of muscle soreness include:

• Dull, achy discomfort in the muscles you used during activity

• Gradual improvement over a few days

• Pain that eases with gentle movement or stretching

If your soreness improves with rest, light exercise, or massage, it’s likely just normal muscle fatigue.
 

Recognizing a Sports Injury

Sports injuries often happen suddenly or result from repetitive stress over time. Unlike soreness, injuries typically produce sharper, more localized pain and may come with swelling, bruising, or limited movement.
Common signs you may have an injury include:

• Sharp, stabbing, or severe pain during or after activity

• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint or muscle

• Difficulty bearing weight or moving the affected area

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

If pain lasts more than a few days or worsens with activity, it’s important to get evaluated by a professional. Ignoring the signs of injury can lead to chronic pain or long-term damage.
 

What to Do Next

If you’re unsure whether you’re sore or injured, start by resting and applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help with mild discomfort, but persistent or severe pain should never be ignored.

Our chiropractor can help determine whether your pain is due to normal soreness, a strain, or a more serious injury. Through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, you can restore proper movement, reduce inflammation, and get back to your sport safely.
 

Schedule Your Sports Injury Evaluation Today

While soreness is part of getting stronger, pain that limits your performance or lasts longer than a few days may indicate an injury. Early evaluation and treatment can make all the difference in recovery and prevention.

Contact Charlotte Chiropractic and Rehab to schedule an evaluation for a personalized sports injury treatment plan. Call our Queens office at (704) 569-5320 or our Ballantyne office at (704) 543-4307 to book an appointment today.