Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness, more commonly known as DOMS is experienced about 24 to 48 hours after exercise and normally lasts for about 96 hours. So, that instant pain during, or straight after intense exercise is not classified as DOMS. The most common symptoms of DOMS include swelling, joint stiffness and limited motion, tenderness, debilitating pain and muscle weakness. In extreme cases one can experience severe muscle breakdown, which can place the kidneys at risk and raised levels of creatine kinase (CK) in the bloodstream (an indicator of muscle tissue damage).