Why do muscles become sore?
Sep 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, muscle soreness may be caused by factors such as overexertion, lactic acid buildup, inflammatory stimulation, muscle trauma, or colds. For example, patients who engage in prolonged heavy physical labor may experience muscle tearing, strain, or overuse injuries due to muscles remaining tense for extended periods during work, leading to muscle soreness.
Under normal circumstances, muscle soreness may be caused by overexertion, lactic acid buildup, inflammatory stimulation, muscle trauma, colds, and other factors. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Overexertion
For example, patients who engage in prolonged heavy physical labor may experience muscle soreness due to their muscles remaining tense for extended periods. This can lead to muscle fiber tears, strains, or fatigue injuries, accompanied by stiffness. It is recommended that patients rest appropriately and avoid overexertion, which usually allows symptoms to resolve on their own.
2. Lactic Acid Buildup
After high-intensity or strenuous exercise, insufficient oxygen supply in the body leads to anaerobic glycolysis, converting glucose into energy. Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. When large amounts of lactic acid accumulate in the muscles, it causes muscle soreness. Patients can relieve this pain and discomfort through hot showers or localized heat application to improve lactic acid clearance.
3. Inflammatory Stimulation
When pathogens such as bacteria or viruses enter the body, they multiply rapidly and affect multiple organs and tissues, causing symptoms like fatigue and muscle soreness. Treatment involves regular dressing changes as prescribed, along with local therapies such as massage, electrotherapy, and acupuncture. Local warmth should also be maintained.
4. Muscle Trauma
Excessive exercise or particularly intense physical activities may result in muscle strains or other injuries. Damage to muscle fibers and subsequent inflammatory reactions cause muscle pain. Patients may take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as etoricoxib tablets, celecoxib capsules, or diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets under medical supervision to assist in treatment.
5. Colds
In bacterial infections causing colds, the body's metabolism accelerates, and bacteria proliferate within the host, producing toxic substances. The accumulation of these toxins and acidic metabolic products can lead to muscle soreness. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets can be used to alleviate pain.
In addition, muscle soreness can also be caused by dermatomyositis. If symptoms such as muscle pain occur, individuals should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
