What causes muscle stiffness after exercise?
May 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Muscle stiffness after exercise may result from muscle tissue spasms and reduced blood circulation following prolonged, high-intensity physical activity. It could also occur when inflammation of the fascia impairs normal muscle contraction, limiting range of motion and causing a sensation of stiffness. Additionally, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, surrounding muscle tissues may become excessively tense as they attempt to protect damaged joints, leading to muscle stiffness.
Muscle stiffness after exercise may be caused by non-disease factors, or by medical conditions such as fasciitis and rheumatoid arthritis. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Non-disease factors
After prolonged high-intensity exercise, muscle soft tissues are prone to spasm, which slows blood circulation. When blood supply becomes insufficient, muscle stiffness may easily occur. Applying local heat therapy or massage can promote blood circulation and help relieve the stiffness.
2. Disease factors
1) Fasciitis
When fascia becomes inflamed, inflammation after exercise can impair normal muscle contraction, reduce the range of motion, and lead to a sensation of muscle stiffness. Local massage and manipulation techniques can help regulate the condition and alleviate stiffness.
2) Rheumatoid arthritis
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation affects the normal function of muscles. Excessive exercise may worsen inflammation, causing surrounding muscle tissues to become overly tense in an attempt to protect the damaged joint, resulting in muscle stiffness. It is recommended to take medications such as eperisone tablets, chlorzoxazone tablets, or sufentanil tablets under a doctor's guidance to relax skeletal and smooth muscles, reduce muscle tension, and relieve symptoms.
In addition, muscle stiffness could also result from other causes such as multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or Parkinson’s syndrome. If symptoms persist without improvement, prompt medical consultation is necessary.
