Delayed muscle pain manifests in cases where the individual exercises a vigorous muscle exercise load without having the necessary physical preparation; starts a physical activity; or restarts, but with greater intensity than usual.
It is one of the sports injuries that occur most frequently, presenting symptoms muscle such as: swelling, stiffness, sensitivity to touch and pain when moving the affected region. These appear a few hours after activities, with a progressive increase in pain over the next twenty-four hours, and a gradual decrease over a period of approximately 72 hours. Such symptoms can last for up to ten days, and may be milder or more severe, depending on the type and intensity of exercise; and they tend to regress naturally, without any sequels in the medium or long term.
It was believed in the past that lactate was the factor responsible for these events, as their concentrations increase during vigorous exercise. However, it is now known that, approximately an hour and a half after exercise, their concentrations are already normal. Given these facts, many experts recognize that DOMS is due to the accentuated elongation of the fibers muscles, mainly in the muscle connective tissue, causing microlesions that cause an inflammatory process, causing pain.
If the patient wishes, or if necessary, there is a way to deal with of this injury through stretching, massage, application of ice (cryotherapy), use of antioxidants and/or anti-inflammatory drugs, immersion of the affected region in cold water at ten degrees Celsius, or physiotherapy.
As for your prevention, train according to your capacity, gradually increasing the load and/or intensity; stretch your muscles before and after activities; and promoting a diet rich in protein and vitamins C and E (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) are essential measures.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
