Muscle soreness or discomfort that occurs 24 to 48 hours after exercise is normal, particularly if the exercise involved activities you are unaccustomed to performing. The proper response to this type of pain is rest followed by continued moderate exercise and stretching.

There are, however, occasions when the pain or discomfort is more troublesome and indicative of a real problem. The following guidelines can help you determine if your pain warrants stopping the activity and seeking medical attention.

• Frequent pain or discomfort.  Ongoing pain in the ankle, knee, elbow or wrist should not be ignored. These joints are not covered by muscles and therefore the pain is more likely to be a joint affliction, rather than muscle-related.

• Localized pain.  If your pain occurs at a specific location, it is likely an early indicator of some type of injury. If the pain does not occur in the same location on the opposite side of the body, consult a doctor.

• Persistent pain. If the pain lasts for longer than two weeks or gets worse, see a doctor. Especially if it doesn’t respond to rest and medication.

• Swelling.  It is not uncommon for swelling in or around a joint to cause pain and stiffness. The swelling should eventually go down.  If it doesn’t, have it looked at.

• Disturbing normal routine.  Pain that disrupts your sleep patterns or interferes with work and other activities is a strong indicator of a problem. Seek medical advice and treatment if the pain continues.

The bottom line? You should generally avoid trying to push or work through pain. The “no pain, no gain” mantra is outdated and inaccurate. Pain is your body’s way of communicating that a problem exists and a potential injury may be on the horizon. Listen to your body and heed its signals.