Professional Care or Self Care

How can you tell when you should see a doctor about a muscle injury?

You should seek professional treatment if:

• You feel pain and you hear a pop, crack or tear during exercise.

• You have consistent general medical problems, such as continued malaise, fatigue, bloody urine, recurring upper respiratory infections, or have chronic symptoms.

• You have chest pain or discomfort that you feel could be related to your heart.

• You have severe swelling or pain that pressure does not relieve in 30 minutes.

• Your pain goes away when you rest but returns when you exercise.

• You must continually take anti-inflammatory medication to be able to exercise.

• Your pain persists for more than 14 days.

If you have doubts about whether you should seek help, call your doctor to see what he or she recommends.