A freshman studying medicine at an Ivy League College is a part of his class cre

Question

A freshman studying medicine at an Ivy League College is a part of his class crew team and exercises regularly. After a particularly strenuous exercise session, he experiences severe cramps in his thighs and pain in his biceps.
•Explain the chemical process that occurred in his muscle cells to cause this discomfort.



•Explain the chemical reactions that have possibly taken place in his body after the exercise.



•Discuss possible treatments for the freshman and how the treatment works chemically.


This came from my Chemistry class, but I'm posting both there and here because this also seems like a biology question.

Thanks for your help.

Explanation / Answer

-- The chemical that occurs in the muscle which leads to discomfort is the formation of lactic acid. Due to the vigorous exercise, the total oxygen content will be consumed leading to the anearobic conditions. During this case, the lactic acid is produced and muscle soreness occurs.

CH3COCOO- + H+ +NADH --> CH3CHOHCOO- + NAD+

And this anearoic conditions in turn affects the ATP production, which is the sole source of energy in the body. Calcium transport also gets affected resulting in cramps and pains in his thighs.

Delayed onset muscle soreness can also be the reason for the people who does vigorous exercise for the first time.

In order to get rid of all these gentle stretching of the muscles can be recommended. Taking rest after the exercise will supply oxygen to the cells making the body parts regain its strength.

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