ohhhh, man. My muscles are sore from spring biking trip for 10km. Is there any ointment that I can rub on to speed up break down of lactic acid at the muscles?

Should I take aspirin in conjunction with ointment?

I don't know enough about pharmecuticals to comment on what will break down lactic acid. The only way I know of is gentle stretching and light excercise to get the blood flowing to those sore muscles. As far as pain, Aleve works wonders for me after a hard weekend.

I don't really believe the hype about IcyHot or anything like that. It's probably just a topical anasthetic without a lot of use. I don't think there's a lot to do to "speed up" break down of lactic acid- which I would think needs to be broken down by the liver or kidneys!

I'd personally avoid aspirin or ibuprofen. Both work to decrease inflammation. That means that you won't get as much blood flow to the "sore" (that is, injured) muscles. So, it may feel better, but healing will take longer. Stick with one of the NSAID drugs that has less inflammatory properties: Aleve or Tylenol.

Soak in a hot bathtub...works for me.

Excellent info here:
http://ph.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070324003735AAvqxpv&show=7

Personally I've heard that taking a pill of aspirin breaks up the lactic acid. My experience is that it helps. However I also hear it prevents muscle growth so I stopped taking it after workouts and just got better at stretching beforehand

The best way to relieve the aching muscles is to get back on the Bicycle and do another 5 km the next day.

When Eddy Merckx was asked the same question after winning the Paris-Roubaix, which is a 260 km race, he replied the only way to relieve aching muscles was to do a 120 km cycle ride the next day.

I think with all your little (and not so little) aches and pains that you are c you really need to seek face-to-face consultation with a general practitioner and move up from there as he or she may advise.

Or you have a bit of hypochondria.

Or try your local accupuncture practioner! I've had problems with my right shoulder for the last six months and just started treatements last friday. I just finished my third treatment and am almost pain free! To quote the Monkeys "I'm a believer"!

I have been using it for so long I have begun to like the smell

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the soreness you're feeling is the micro-tears of the muscle fibers. When you rest the tears start to rebuild and that's what adds muscle developement. But if there is no movement you lose mobility so the answer to your question could be "active rest". Someone else referenced to it all ready. Get back out there and 'walk it off' so to speak.

Icy Hot and such is just topical(sensation only). A nice rub down and real heat (hot packs, heating pad, etc...) would also relieve some of the pain symptoms.