Chest pain the day after playing ball

  Chest pain the day after playing sports may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as muscle strain or pneumothorax. Symptomatic treatment should be provided based on the specific condition.

  I. Physiological Factors

  After intense physical activity such as playing sports, anaerobic metabolism increases in the chest wall tissues, leading to lactic acid accumulation and resulting in soreness or pain in the chest area. It is recommended to rest appropriately to reduce oxygen consumption in body tissues and thereby decrease cardiac load. Under medical guidance, nitroglycerin may be taken to improve coronary blood supply.

  II. Pathological Factors

  1. Muscle Strain

  If chest muscle strain occurs, it may be related to chest-expanding movements or prolonged lifting of heavy objects, potentially causing chest pain. Appropriate rest and massage are recommended to relieve symptoms. If treatment proves ineffective, infrared radiation therapy may be considered under a physician’s guidance.

  2. Pneumothorax

  If patients experience chest pain accompanied by chest tightness, they should go to the hospital for CT examination to confirm diagnosis. For small pneumothorax with stable vital signs, management may include bed rest and high-flow oxygen therapy. If the pneumothorax is large and causes unstable vital signs, surgical intervention under medical guidance is required.

  Additionally, conditions such as intercostal neuralgia or angina pectoris could also be responsible. Patients are advised to get adequate rest, avoid heavy physical labor, and refrain from strenuous exercise in the near term.