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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Legs After Prolonged Sitting?

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Posted on Fri, 5 May 2017
Question: Sometimes when I get up from sitting for as little as 30 minutes to as long as 1 hour, my legs feel like rubber, jelly or jello, and that they are not going to hold me up. After I stand for a few seconds, then they are fine. This has also happened while in the middle of a walk. What can cause this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

I must say that I agree with your doctor (fortunately) that it is not something to worry about. Judging from your description it is a case of the long nerves exiting from the spine like the sciatic nerve getting stretched and compressed in the sitting position. It is a common issue, but the symptoms as you yourself say are transitory.

At times may be favored by vitamin B12 deficiency or diabetes so you might get tested for those. You probably are taking Vitamin B12 in your multivitamins though. Other than vitamins no other medication is needed. If the issue is really bothering for you, physical therapy may be considered in order to strengthen leg muscles and increase their bulk size so that the nerves are better protected.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Legs After Prolonged Sitting?

Brief Answer: Nerve compression. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I must say that I agree with your doctor (fortunately) that it is not something to worry about. Judging from your description it is a case of the long nerves exiting from the spine like the sciatic nerve getting stretched and compressed in the sitting position. It is a common issue, but the symptoms as you yourself say are transitory. At times may be favored by vitamin B12 deficiency or diabetes so you might get tested for those. You probably are taking Vitamin B12 in your multivitamins though. Other than vitamins no other medication is needed. If the issue is really bothering for you, physical therapy may be considered in order to strengthen leg muscles and increase their bulk size so that the nerves are better protected. I remain at your disposal for other questions.