Exercise can cause injury from time to time
Though most exercise-related injuries aren't a major cause for concern, they can be uncomfortable to live with while they heal. Our pharmacists outline the types of injury you may have and how to get treatment.
Reviewed by: Gareth Williams
Published: January 2025
Next review: January 2028
Most sports related injuries involve damage to the musculoskeletal system: your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and soft tissues. Some examples of these injuries are breaks, sprains, strains, dislocations and soft tissue injuries like bruises.1
Exercise-related injuries can be acute or chronic. Acute injuries come on suddenly, often due to a fall or collision. Chronic injuries develop over time, sometimes due to repetitive stress.1
Treatment will depend on what kind of injury you have. If you have an acute, serious injury or you think you might have fractured or dislocated a bone, go to A&E.2,3
Sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries can usually be treated at home. Remember RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take over the counter painkillers if you need them. Go to a pharmacist for advice if you need more help managing your injury.4
Chronic sports injuries can sometimes be managed with physiotherapy. This can help you find ways of moving that don’t make the injury worse.1 Ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist or you can search for one online.
Before exercise, it’s important to stretch. Start with low intensity exercise first and take turns exercising different muscle groups. Make sure you have the right protective equipment, and your shoes are in good condition.5
If you have a previous injury, make sure it’s fully healed before you start exercising again. Take proper time to rest after exercising and stay hydrated throughout.5
Information and support if you live in Scotland.
Information and support on injuries and how to treat them.
- Branch NSC and O. Sports Injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Published April 5, 2017. Accessed July 6, 2023.https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sports-injuries
- How do I know if I’ve broken a bone? nhs.uk. Published June 26, 2018. Accessed July 6, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-broken-a-bone/
- Dislocated shoulder. nhs.uk. Published October 18, 2017. Accessed July 6, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dislocated-shoulder/
- Sprains and strains. nhs.uk. Published October 23, 2017. Accessed July 6, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/
- Preventing Sports Injuries - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 6, 2023. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00935