What Pains You Should NEVER Ignore: How to Know When to Stop Playing and Get Help

👉 In sports, feeling sore, tired, and beat up is normal. 

👉 But there are certain types of pain that should make you STOP — immediately. 

👉 Knowing the difference between “normal” pain and “danger” pain can save your career — and protect your long-term health.

💥 Here’s a guide to knowing when to stop and speak up.

1. First: Not All Pain Is the Same

👉 Some pain is part of training and getting stronger:

✅ Muscle soreness (DOMS — delayed onset muscle soreness), especially 24-48 hours after a tough workout. 

✅ Mild tightness that loosens up as you warm up.

👉 But other pain means STOP — something is wrong.

💥 Learning to tell the difference is how you stay strong and avoid long-term damage.

2. The Pains You Should NEVER Ignore

Here are red flag pains — if you feel these, stop and get checked by medical staff right away:

🚩 A. Sharp, Stabbing Pain in a Joint or Muscle

💥 Example: You suddenly feel a sharp pain in your knee, ankle, shoulder, or hamstring.

👉 This could be:

• Tear (muscle, ligament, tendon).

• Dislocation or sprain.

❗ Sharp pain = stop. Don’t “play through” — it can make it worse.

🚩 B. Pain That Makes You Change How You Move

💥 Example: You start running weird to avoid pain, or you limp without realizing.

👉 If you’re compensating, you’re risking injury somewhere else (like hips or back).

❗ If pain changes how you move, stop and get checked.

🚩 C. Pain with Swelling, Bruising, or a “Pop” Sound

💥 Example: You feel/hear a pop in your knee, ankle, or shoulder — followed by swelling.

👉 This could be:

• Ligament tear (ACL, MCL).

• Tendon rupture.

• Fracture.

❗ If something popped — stop immediately and get help.

🚩 D. Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Go Away with Rest

💥 Example: Pain that stays for days/weeks, even when you rest.

👉 This could mean:

• Stress fracture.

• Chronic tendonitis.

• Labrum tear (hip/shoulder).

❗ Ongoing pain is a red flag — don’t ignore it.

🚩 E. Back or Neck Pain with Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness

💥 Example: Shooting pain down your leg/arm, numb fingers, weak grip.

👉 Could be:

• Nerve damage.

• Disc injury (bulging or herniated disc).

❗ Nerve pain = stop immediately and get checked.

🚩 F. Headache After a Hit to the Head or Body (Possible Concussion)

💥 Example: Headache plus dizziness, confusion, or vision changes.

👉 Even if you weren’t knocked out, this could be a concussion.

❗ Any signs of concussion = stop and get checked by medical staff.

🚩 G. Chest Pain, Trouble Breathing, or Feeling Faint

💥 Example: Sudden tightness in chest, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness.

👉 Could be a serious heart or lung issue.

❗ Chest pain = emergency. Get help right away.

3. Common Mistakes Athletes Make — and Why They’re Risky

🚩 “It will go away if I just keep going.” 

💥 Sometimes it gets worse — and becomes a season-ending injury.

🚩 “Everyone’s in pain — I shouldn’t complain.” 

💥 Not all pain is normal. You deserve to be checked and safe.

🚩 “I’ll just take painkillers and keep playing.” 

💥 Painkillers can hide pain but won’t fix the cause — and you’ll risk even worse injury.

🚩 “If I tell someone, I’ll lose my spot.” 

💥 If you keep playing and make it worse, you may lose your career — not just your spot.

4. What to Do If You Feel These Types of Pain

👉 Here’s what to do instead of pushing through:

✅ A. Stop Immediately

👉 Don’t finish the game or drill if the pain is serious.

✅ B. Tell Your Coach and Medical Staff Right Away

💬 “I’m feeling sharp pain and I can’t move properly — I need to get checked.”

✅ C. Get Checked by a Doctor or Athletic Trainer

👉 Even if you think it’s "probably nothing," it’s worth checking.

✅ D. Follow the Plan for Rest and Recovery

👉 Trust the medical advice — don’t rush back before you’re ready.

💥 Smart recovery = faster return and less risk of re-injury.

5. Final Words — Pain Is a Message, Not a Weakness

💥 Your body is trying to tell you something — listen. 

💥 Catching injuries early can save your season — and your career. 

💥 Real toughness is knowing when to stop and take care of yourself.

6. Take These Reminders With You

🛑 “If it’s sharp, sudden, or changes how I move — I stop.” 

🛑 “Pain that doesn’t go away needs to be checked.” 

🛑 “My future in sports matters more than finishing this game.” 

🛑 “Listening to my body is strength, not weakness.” 

🛑 “No trophy is worth a lifelong injury.”