Sore Leg Muscles After Working Out

Some muscle soreness after or even during a workout is normal. If the pain lingers for several days, it can be a sign that you have pushed yourself to or beyond your limits. Pain that does not go away after three days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or redness in the problem area, can mean there is an injury or other underlying problem. It's important to know the signs and symptoms of each kind of pain in order to know how to treat it.

Basics

The cause of muscle pain after a workout was originally thought to be the result of the build-up of waste products such as lactic acid. This is no longer believed to be the case, according to Columbia University Health Services, as it has been found that lactic acid is long gone from the muscles before soreness sets in. Most muscle pain is seen in people who are just beginning to exercise or in conditioned athletes who overwork themselves. The sore feeling after working out is thought to be the result of small tears in the muscle fibers or connecting tissue, overstretching the muscle, or muscle spasms.

DOMS

Most muscle pain that results from exercise or lifting weights will disappear shortly after the exercise is completed. It is also common for the soreness to set in after a period of 24 to 48 hours. This is known as delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. DOMS, which will typically include symptoms of soreness, stiffness, swelling, muscle tenderness and loss of strength, will disappear spontaneously after 72 hours. Eccentric exercises that involve lengthening the muscle, such as lowering a weight, seem to be the cause. Concentric exercises, such as lifting a weight, don't appear to result to contribute to DOMS.

Other Causes

If the soreness continues after 72 hours, is worse with movement, or is accompanied by excessive swelling, there may be an underlying injury. Pain accompanied by a fever or nausea and vomiting may be an infection of some kind. Certain medications that control blood pressure and lower cholesterol can cause muscle pain as well. Some types of autoimmune diseases may also be accompanied by muscle pain, but the condition will usually present other symptoms also. If any of these problems are the cause of the pain, or are suspected to be, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Prevention

To avoid DOMS and the pain from overexertion, warm up before exercising and cool down afterward. Stretching is also necessary to get the blood flowing to the muscles and keep them flexible to avoid sudden trauma. Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise to avoid dehydration. For the legs, stretch all the muscles involved including the calf muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

Treatment

For muscle soreness in the legs that arises from overexertion and DOMS, taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and flurbiprofen can help. Soaking in a warm tub will relax the muscles and can offer relief. For injuries, the RICE protocol should be followed. Rest the leg, ice the injured area, cease all activities and elevate the legs. A medical professional should be contacted if soreness lasts over three days or you are taking any medication that may cause muscle soreness as a side effect.