Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the pain or discomfort often felt 24 to 74 hours after exercising. Once thought to be caused by lactic acid buildup, we now know that it is caused by tiny tears in the muscle fibres caused by eccentric movements, or unaccustomed training levels.

To avoid pain after exercise, thorough warming up is required. Warmer muscles are more flexible, and less prone to damage.

See Also

• 'Recommendations for the avoidance of Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness,' Strength and Conditioning Journal, Vol 23 (4) 7-13
• http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a/doms.htm
• http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/01_99/muscle.htm
• http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/1077-muscle-soreness.htm