So I played my 5th game ever today and I ran my ass off on the pitch and I got 1 goal out of it.. my legs r killing me.. does anyone else feel this way after matches? Or is it just me? What do you guys do to make your legs feel better? And lotions or stuff like that? It probably dosnt help that I work 13 hour shifts on pavement
ice pack (calvees or quads for around 20 minutes) or a cold water bath (to my waist, 10 minutes) works great for me.
Also make sure you get your legs moving the next day. Nothing too hard or high impact. If I do 40 minutes on the elliptical the day after a game it cuts my soreness way down. I'm 30 and very susceptible to muscle soreness, but I've found this works.
Besides the ice soak, make sure that you get fluids replaced and eat some lean protein within an hour or two after the match.
I agree with getting them moving. I always ride the bike the day after a match. Makes a world of difference.