What are the causes of muscle soreness?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, muscle soreness may be caused by lactic acid buildup after exercise, muscle fatigue, muscle damage, electrolyte imbalance, viral infections, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should pay attention to getting adequate rest, moderately reducing exercise intensity, performing appropriate massage, and ensuring sufficient sleep, all of which help muscle recovery.
Generally, muscle soreness may be caused by factors such as lactic acid buildup after exercise, muscle fatigue, muscle injury, electrolyte imbalance, or viral infection. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Lactic Acid Buildup After Exercise
Intense physical activity can lead to lactic acid accumulation in muscles, causing a sore sensation. Appropriate rest, light stretching, and massage in daily life can promote blood circulation and accelerate lactic acid metabolism.
2. Muscle Fatigue
Maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods or repeating motions can result in muscle fatigue. It is important to change postures regularly, take timely breaks, and perform muscle relaxation exercises.
3. Muscle Injury
Failing to warm up before exercise may cause muscle injury, leading to pain accompanied by swelling and limited function. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as Yunnan Baiyao aerosol, Huoxue Zhitong ointment, or Shangtong Ning ointment for treatment.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance
Excessive sweating after intense exercise may trigger electrolyte imbalance. When electrolytes are deficient, muscle excitability may increase, resulting in cramps and soreness, along with symptoms such as palpitations, convulsions, and fatigue. Under medical advice, patients may take medications such as potassium chloride sustained-release tablets, calcium gluconate oral solution, or oral rehydration salts.
5. Viral Infection
If a viral infection occurs, the inflammatory response generated by the immune system acting on muscle tissues can cause generalized muscle soreness, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Patients should follow medical instructions to take medications like oseltamivir phosphate capsules, acyclovir tablets, or acetaminophen tablets to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, it is important to ensure adequate rest, moderately reduce physical activity, receive appropriate massage, and maintain sufficient sleep, all of which help muscle recovery.
