Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the pain or discomfort often felt 24 to 72 hours after exercising and subsides generally within 2 to 3 days.

Once thought to be caused by lactic acid buildup, a more recent theory is that it is caused by tiny tears in the muscle fibres caused by eccentric contraction, or unaccustomed training levels.

DOMS typically causes stiffness, swelling, strength loss and pain.

Continued exertion of sore muscles can cause further swelling and pain, and lengthen the period of muscular soreness.

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Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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