Question
Four days ago I went to lift weights with my friends. We did squats and deadlifts, and benchpressed. This was the first time I've really ever lifted weights, so I started out pretty lightly (although in hindsight maybe I should have gone lighter). Unfortunately, I've been experiencing some really persistent pain in my legs that are worse than the usual soreness you feel after working out, mostly the thigh/knee area. My arms were sore, but nothing out of the ordinary. For two days after the workout, it was extremely hard to walk up/down stairs, and my knees would occasionally buckle when I was walking. My legs are incredibly stiff/tight and it's hard to lift them past a certain point. Two days after the workout, I thought the pain I felt was normal, so I went to play tennis since working out is supposed to east soreness. This seemed to make things worse. Fortunately, they are slowly getting better, and I'm not completely incapacitated or anything, but I'm just wondering if there is something wrong, or if this is normal. There is no redness or swelling, but I'm still a bit concerned cause the pain is more acute than just regular soreness.

Answer
Dear Quynh,
This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618,Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
Your sports info was wrong...and this is normal
You had the usual muscle soreness after a heavy workout-that should only be stretched and activity resumed after being mostly pain free. The tennis aggravated your muscle soreness.
Start with gentle stretching-maybe gentle yoga or Tai Chi or similar (not tennis). Let your body heal, and then resume activities slowly.
Hope this helps
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and fracture care.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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