Common Exercise-Related Illnesses and Injuries to Watch Out for as You Begin Your New Year Fitness Journey

Stay Safe and Injury-Free While Reaching Your Fitness Goals This Year

The new year is often the time for fresh starts, and for many, that includes setting new fitness resolutions. Whether you’re planning to hit the gym more regularly, start running, or try a new workout routine, it’s essential to know about the common exercise-related illnesses and injuries that can occur.

Exercise consistently ranks as one of the top New Year’s resolutions. Many people aim to lose weight and get fitter, making physical activity a central part of their year. It’s no secret that exercise is beneficial for the body and plays a significant role in long-term health. It helps to reduce the risk of many serious medical conditions, leading many to turn to fitness for a healthier lifestyle.

Whether new to working out or returning after a break, it’s important to be aware of the medical conditions and injuries that can occur during exercise to minimize your risk and focus on achieving your fitness goals safely.

Common Fitness-Related Illness and Injuries

1. Fatigue

It’s normal to feel tired after exercising, but it’s important to listen to your body and recognize when your fatigue goes beyond the typical post-workout exhaustion. Fatigue is your body signaling that you’ve reached your physical limit. You may feel overly drained during or after workouts, as though you’re running on “no energy” and unable to give the same effort you could before. Fatigue can be challenging, but it is crucial to get enough rest and ensure you’re fueling your body with proper nutrition. Rest days are just as important as workout days for recovery and performance.

In some cases, severe or prolonged fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest or proper nutrition may be a sign of an underlying issue and it is recommended to consult a medical professional to rule out any serious conditions.

2. Dehydration

Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. On average, a person can lose between 17 to 50 ounces of water per hour while working out, depending on the intensity and environment. If you do not replenish these fluids, you risk dehydration, which can negatively impact your overall well-being. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, slow reaction times, dark-colored urine, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. To stay hydrated, you should drink water periodically throughout your workout.  

In cases of severe dehydration, medical intervention, such as intravenous (IV) fluids, may be necessary to restore the body’s water levels and prevent serious health complications.

3. Muscle Strain

Many people are eager to start exercising at full intensity to achieve their goals quickly. However, to prevent unnecessary strain on your body, it’s essential to ease into your workouts gradually. Muscle strains occur when muscles are overstretched beyond their limits. Common signs of muscle strain include pain, swelling, tenderness, and a reduced range of motion. As you begin your new workout routine, it’s important to avoid pushing yourself too hard. Focus on key elements such as warming up properly, maintaining good form, and gradually increasing the intensity over time to minimize the risk of injury.

If the pain becomes severe and significantly restricts movement, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as this could indicate a more serious injury than just a strain.

4. Sprain

Sprains can occur whenever physical activity involves sudden movements, twisting, or turning. A sprain refers to the partial or complete tear of a ligament, with the most commonly affected areas being the ankles, knees, and wrists during exercise. While sprains can be quite painful, many people continue to push through the discomfort, which can lead to further damage.

It’s important to have a sprain diagnosed by an expert medical professional. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be necessary to assess the severity of the injury and determine the appropriate treatment plan, as sprains are internal injuries.

5. Fractures

Fractures can occur with repetitive impact or overuse during exercise. They can range from small cracks in the bone to more severe breaks. One of the most common fractures seen in those who exercise is a stress fracture, which is a small crack that forms due to repetitive stress on the bone.

Fractures are typically more painful than sprains, often limiting mobility and causing extreme tenderness, swelling, and discomfort.

Like sprains, fractures are internal injuries that require diagnosis and care from a medical professional. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or other scans, are usually needed to assess the severity of the fracture and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

As you embark on your New Year fitness journey, it’s important to remember that achieving your goals should never come at the expense of your health. Albuquerque ER & Hospital is here for you, every step of the way! Whether you need IV fluids for severe dehydration or expert care for strains and fractures, our team is ready to help you feel better quickly. Our state-of-the-art emergency room is equipped with advanced imaging and laboratory services, ensuring you receive comprehensive care all in one place.

Experience the care you deserve at Albuquerque ER & Hospital– open 24/7/365. Happy New Year!

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Albuquerque ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.