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With milder temperatures and extended daylight hours prompting Britons to become more physically active, specialists are cautioning that ignoring minor discomfort could result in more severe injuries. Physiotherapist and musculoskeletal specialist Clara Kervyn warned that increased movement frequently brings additional strain.

Clara, working with Deep Heat and Deep Freeze, said: "At this time of year, people naturally become more active, but that can mean aches and soreness creeping in - from a tight hamstring to a painful knee. A worrying 42% of Brits have had an exercise-related injury according to research by Deep Heat and Deep Freeze.

"Over two-thirds (67%) of Brits experience muscle pain with legs, knees, back and feet being the most common problem areas, while over half (55%) report muscular strains or sprains.

"Runners often face the wrath of injuries; of the 32% of survey respondents who'd done a marathon or half-marathon, 41% had complained of foot pain and 28% of lower leg pain during training.

"Worryingly, 54% of Brits mask physical pain, but minor niggles can become full-blown injuries if you don't act fast. There are ways you can care for joints and muscles, though, to avoid pain from getting in the way of your exercise routine."

Wear the right kit

Clara said: "Whatever your chosen sport or exercise, make sure you're kitted out correctly, particularly when it comes to footwear. For example, well-fitted running shoes make a huge difference to your comfort and injury risk during running. For tennis, tennis shoes can help to support feet as you move around the court, and at the gym, hard-soled trainers give your feet a sturdy platform to work from."

Warm up with heat

Clara said: "Only 44% of people warm up before exercise, yet warm-ups increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare the body for movement, reducing chances of injury. Building heat into your warm-up can help muscles feel looser and more prepared - for example, using a product like Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion, which combines massage with heat therapy.

"It's easy to apply, portable and ideal before exercise to help reduce the risk of injury and ease any flare-ups. Why heat?

"It brings more blood to muscles, which brings added oxygen and nutrients to boost muscle repair while also relaxing aching and over-tired muscles."

Take rest days

Clara said: "When you rest, your body can repair and recover. Neglect rest and your body ends up paying the price. Days off exercise can involve movement such as yoga, stretching, swimming, walking or even Pilates; but the aim is to stick to low-impact movement that won't tire out your joints and muscles.

"And if you are injured? Although only 46% of people believe that recovery time for an injury is a 'must', however it is in fact vital to let injuries heal, or you risk making things worse."

Target flare-ups fast with cooling therapies

Clara said: "While ice baths are a popular recovery tool these days, there are far easier ways to get the benefits of cold therapy. Products such as Deep Freeze Muscle Rescue Cold Spray provide an instant burst of targeted cooling relief for minor aches in muscles and joints or flare-ups from past injuries.

"Cooling therapies help to calm minor aches and pains by calming inflammation and reducing blood flow."