It’s the day after leg day, and you can barely walk. Your muscles are so sore that it hurts to move. Sound familiar? If you’re an avid gym-goer, you know the feeling well. DOMS—or delayed onset muscle soreness—is that painful muscle stiffness and soreness that sets in a day or two after a particularly intense workout. The good news is that there are ways to relieve that pain and return to your routine sooner.
First, it’s essential to understand what causes DOMS. When you work out, you’re causing microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. As your body repairs those tears, your muscles grow stronger. However, the repair process can sometimes cause inflammation, leading to that familiar post-workout pain.
You can do a few things to ease the pain of DOMS and get back to your regular workout routine sooner. First, try applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes. This will help reduce inflammation and pain. You can also take a warm bath or use a heating pad on the spot for similar relief. Additionally, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and swelling.
Finally, ensure you’re hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can makeDOMS worse, so it’s essential to keep your body properly hydrated, especially if you’re working out regularly.
No one likes dealing with sore muscles, but it’s unfortunate for anyone who hits the gym regularly. The good news is that there are ways to ease the pain and discomfort of DOMS so you can get back to your workout routine as soon as possible. Following the tips in this article will make you feel better in no time!
