Why does elbow soreness from working out start only after a day's delay, and what should I do about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Soreness in the elbow appearing one day after exercise may be caused by lactic acid buildup, muscle strain, trauma, or other reasons, and treatment should be targeted according to the specific cause. In addition to the relatively common causes mentioned above, it could also result from other conditions such as osteoarthritis, fasciitis, or osteoporosis. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and timely treatment are recommended to avoid delaying diagnosis and management.
Delayed onset elbow soreness occurring one day after exercise may be caused by lactic acid buildup, muscle strain, trauma, or other reasons, and treatment should be targeted according to the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Lactic Acid Buildup
During exercise, the oxygen consumption of muscle tissue significantly increases, which may exceed the capacity of local blood circulation to deliver sufficient oxygen. This leads to anaerobic metabolism for energy production, whose byproduct is lactic acid. When lactic acid cannot be promptly eliminated from the body, it accumulates and may cause elbow soreness the following day. Patients can relieve this discomfort through massage.
2. Muscle Strain
If a person has not exercised for a prolonged period, sudden intense physical activity may exceed the muscles' tolerance, resulting in muscle damage and soreness appearing the next day. This type of discomfort can be alleviated using cold or heat therapy.
3. Trauma
During exercise, if the elbow suffers an impact or injury, inflammatory mediators may gradually accumulate at the site, leading to noticeable pain the following day. Applying cold or heat compresses can help reduce the discomfort.
Besides the above common causes, delayed elbow pain could also result from other conditions such as osteoarthritis, fasciitis, or osteoporosis. Individuals experiencing persistent discomfort should seek medical evaluation and timely treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.
