What Causes Aches In Leg Exercises?

Muscle aches can occur following exercise due to a variety of reasons. Common causes of muscle aches are from a build-up of substances, like lactic acid, that muscle fibers make during a workout. Other causes of aches are due to damages that occur to muscles following exercise. The treatment for most causes of muscle aches are rest, ice and use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Lactic Acid and Phosphate

Active muscle requires additional supplies of energy. Because oxygen supplies may be scarce during an intense workout, muscle cells may produce lactic acid instead of completely breaking down sugars. Lactic acid, and another muscle byproduct, phosphate are both released into the blood and can cause the pH of these tissues to fall slightly. This may be responsible for the pain felt immediately after exercise. Muscle aches due to lactic acid can be treated with an ice pack and over the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, is a common cause of leg pain that occurs one to two days following an unaccustomed workout. The pain may last for up to five days. The mechanism behind the pain is thought to be due to repetitive lengthening of muscles during exercise. This may lead to breakdown of muscle cells, causing inflammation. Treatment for DOMS includes muscle massage, ice-packs and analgesics. The most important part of prevention is to avoid overexertion of the muscles.

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles. According to MayoClinic.com, muscle cramps can be caused by dehydration and overuse of muscles. The leg pain of muscle cramps may occur suddenly and sharply. The muscle may feel hard to touch. Treatment of muscle cramps include stretching exercises and maintaining good hydration.

Pulled Muscles

Muscles can be "pulled" or torn, during exercise. This often occurs in the hamstrings, muscles on the back of the thigh. The first symptom of a pulled muscle may be swelling and weakness of the muscle. Classically, there may be a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh. The most important treatment for pulled muscles are rest, ice-packs, compression and elevation of the limb. This so-called "R.I.C.E." therapy can help even severe muscle pulls.

Other Causes

A number of other conditions may cause muscle problems that become aggravated after exercise. Medications such as statin drugs used to lower cholesterol, or ACE inhibitors taken for high blood pressure, can cause muscle pain. Diseases such as polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis and fibromyalgia can aggravate muscle pain.