How is delayed-onset muscle soreness different from muscle fatigue?

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a type of muscle pain that occurs after intense exercise, typically peaking 24 to 72 hours post-activity and is characterized by stiffness and tenderness due to microtears in muscle fibers. In contrast, muscle fatigue is the temporary inability of a muscle to perform optimally during activity, resulting from energy depletion or the accumulation of metabolic byproducts. While DOMS is a delayed response and often indicates muscle adaptation, muscle fatigue occurs during or immediately after physical exertion.