Question:
My son works out 5-6 days weekly. My question is because he always seems to hurt himself, when should a doctor be seen? (Concerned Mother)
Answer:
Learning to listen to your body is a reliable source if anything is wrong. Common sense and intuition will help you out. Here are some general guidelines for when your son should see a doctor.
- Pain – Any injury that causes severe pain. Pain is nature’s way of saying something is wrong with the body and needs to be addressed.
- All joint injuries – Any injury to the joint or ligaments should be checked and examined by a physician. Immobilize the joint until you get to the doctor.
- Loss of Function – If you cannot move for example, a limb, ankle or finger, then you have loss of function.
- Persisting Pain – Pain in a joint or bone that persists for longer than two weeks.
- Not Healing – Any injury that doesn’t heal in three weeks. For example, any infection in or under the skin manifested by pus, red streaks, swollen lymph nodes or fever. Note: a physician will prescribe antibiotics which generally bring quick relief.
Listen to Frank Mikulka’s Weekly Fitness Tips every week on Debbie Mandel’s Turn On Your Inner Light Show every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on WGBB 1240AM. Also available on www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page3.html
