Does Lactate or Lactic Acid Cause AOMS?
Understanding the cause of acute-onset muscle soreness (AOMS), that burning ache experienced after intense physical activity, involves debunking a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, AOMS is not directly caused by lactate. Although lactate does accumulate in the muscles during strenuous exercise, it is the hydrogen released as part of a separate chemical process that combines with the lactate. This combination causes the muscles to become more acidic, leading to the characteristic burning sensation associated with AOMS.
Understanding the Difference: Discomfort versus Pain
When engaging in physical activities, it is crucial to distinguish between discomfort or soreness and actual pain. While you can push through some soreness, which is often caused by microtears in the tissue that contribute to muscle growth, it is essential to listen to your body and not ignore pain. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that you have exceeded the limits of your muscle, tendon, or ligament’s range of motion, strength, or flexibility. Ignoring this warning sign can lead to serious injury.