Can I continue running if my whole body is sore the second day after running?

It is generally okay to continue running if you experience whole-body soreness the day after running. However, if excessive fatigue or muscle damage occurs during running and the pain is severe, you should stop running and use medication to relieve symptoms.

1. Yes

Soreness throughout the body on the second day after running may result from a lack of regular physical activity. Suddenly increasing exercise intensity can lead to microcirculatory dysfunction. After exercise, large amounts of lactic acid are produced but cannot be promptly metabolized. Excess lactic acid can stimulate surrounding tissues, causing generalized muscle soreness. If the muscle soreness is tolerable, it's acceptable to continue running the next day, although you should reduce your exercise intensity. Symptoms usually improve gradually after several days of consistent, moderate activity.

2. Stop

If the running volume is too high, resulting in excessive physical fatigue and muscle damage, metabolic byproducts may not be eliminated efficiently, leading to whole-body soreness. Continuing to run under these conditions may worsen tissue strain and increase accumulation of metabolic waste, thereby intensifying pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications that relieve pain and promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis may be used, such as ibuprofen capsules or Huli San capsules.

In addition, if general soreness occurs after running, light aerobic exercises such as slow jogging or walking can help promote muscle contraction and facilitate lactic acid metabolism, thus reducing soreness. In cases of injury or strain, prompt medical treatment is recommended.