Leg pain after sitting for too long?

Asked by: Phillip Boulanger

Leg pain is typically a sign of venous insufficiency, especially if it is worst after extended periods of sitting and standing. If venous insufficiency is the cause of your leg pain, you will notice the pain most when you have not been active on your feet for extended periods of time.

Why does my leg hurt after sitting for a long time?

Leg pain can have many causes, but your description of aching after prolonged standing or sitting suggests a possible buildup of fluid in the leg veins (chronic venous disease, venous insufficiency).

How do you get rid of leg pain from sitting too long?

So the third one is using a seat cushion. And so the folks at cyber Bay sent me their your carro seat cushion so these are really great what I like about seat cushions.

Can over sitting cause leg pain?

Most people have pain from sitting at a desk all day. Sitting in one place for long periods with minimal movement can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet, which eventually cause strain on your muscles which can lead to swelling too. One easy way to fix this issue is to change your workspace and posture.

Can you get muscle pain from sitting too long?

Over time, being stuck sitting in a bent position on a daily basis—from your desk at work to your couch at home—shortens your hip flexors, a group of muscles located at the front of your hips, causing pain. Tight hip flexors also contribute to lower back soreness, another common complaint.

How do I know if my leg pain is serious?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:



A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.

What are aching legs a symptom of?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

Why is it hard to walk after sitting?

Muscle stiffness typically occurs after exercise, hard physical work, or lifting weights. You may also feel stiffness after periods of inactivity, like when you get out of bed in the morning or get out of a chair after sitting for a long time. Sprains and strains are the most common reasons for muscle stiffness.

How do you recover from sitting too much?

Simple, passive stretches, like standing and raising your arms overhead, can provide immediate relief of tension and help break up long bouts of sitting, but they don’t create long-term posture changes.

How many hours of sitting is too much?

But when experts analyze the handfuls of studies examining the effects of prolonged sitting, the data shows that sitting for more than eight hours a day can have a serious impact on a person’s health.

What happens if you sit 12 hours a day?

“Sitting increases your risk of death, regardless of whether you exercise or not. If you sat for over 12 hours on a given day, your risk of death increased substantially,” study author, Dr. Keith Diaz at Columbia University Medical Center said.

What muscles get tight from sitting?

“Sitting all day will make the front of your body tighten up—especially your hip flexors, rectus femoris (a quad muscle), pectoralis (chest), upper traps (upper back), and anterior scalenes (the front of your neck),” explains David Reavy, a Chicago-based orthopedic physical therapist at React Physical Therapy.