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.

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The intense exercise session the freshman went through resulted in severe cramps in his thighs and pain in his biceps. These symptoms can be attributed to the chemical process occurring in his muscle cells during and after exercise.

During exercise, the body requires more energy, and muscle cells increase their metabolic activity to meet this demand. To generate energy, muscle cells break down glucose through a process called glycolysis. This process doesn't require oxygen and produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cellular energy currency.

During glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvate, releasing ATP and a byproduct called lactate. Lactate is then transported out of the muscle cells into the bloodstream.

As exercise intensity increases, oxygen supply may not match the energy demands of the muscles. This leads to an accumulation of lactate in the muscle cells, resulting in an increase in acidity (drop in pH). This is known as lactic acidosis and contributes to muscle fatigue and pain.

Furthermore, the increased metabolic activity during exercise results in the accumulation of metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide and heat. These can also contribute to muscle discomfort.

To treat the freshman's symptoms, several approaches can be considered. Firstly, stretching and gentle massage may help alleviate muscle cramps. These methods increase blood flow, which can aid in the removal of lactate and metabolic waste products from the muscle cells.

Secondly, the application of ice or cold packs to the affected areas can provide relief by reducing inflammation and numbing the pain receptors.

Thirdly, over-the-counter pain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.

Additionally, proper rehydration is crucial as dehydration can exacerbate muscle cramps. Drinking water or electrolyte-rich fluids can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes during exercise.

Chemically, these treatments work by diluting the lactic acid and metabolic waste products in the muscle cells, reducing inflammation, and blocking pain signals, thus providing relief to the freshman's discomfort.