It is common for some people to experience leg soreness when climbing stairs. Why does this happen? What causes leg soreness when climbing stairs?
Excessive fatigue
Leg soreness during stair climbing may be caused by insufficient sleep, excessive fatigue, or exposure to cold. Therefore, it is best to ensure an adequate amount of sleep before climbing stairs, or to shorten the duration of stair climbing, as these measures can help alleviate leg soreness.
Excessive exercise
Leg soreness may occur during stair climbing due to excessive exercise. It is normal for muscles to feel sore after intense physical activity. Leg soreness typically occurs within 12 hours after climbing stairs, improves significantly after 3-4 days, and generally disappears within a week.
Lack of exercise
People who do not regularly engage in exercise may experience leg soreness when suddenly participating in stair climbing. The leg muscles may not be accustomed to this activity.
Lack of warm-up
Failure to warm up the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the lower legs before stair climbing can easily result in muscle strains and subsequent leg soreness.
What to do for leg soreness during stair climbing
Slow down
If leg soreness is caused by excessive exercise or climbing stairs too quickly, slowing down the pace can help alleviate the discomfort.
Massage
Massaging the sore leg muscles can effectively relieve leg soreness. Massaging the legs for 15 minutes every hour, accompanied by soothing ointments, can help alleviate leg soreness.
Hot compress
Applying a hot compress to the legs can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle fatigue. After climbing stairs, it is advisable to soak the legs in hot water for 20 minutes.
Stop exercising
If leg soreness during stair climbing is severe, it is best to stop climbing and avoid exacerbating the injury.