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Published on: 6/20/2025

Why do I experience leg pain when sitting but not while walking?

Leg pain when sitting but not while walking might be due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can be affected by how you sit.

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Explanation

When you sit, you might put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain in your leg. This is known as sciatic nerve entrapment or compression syndrome. Here are some possible reasons:

  1. Vascular Compression: Sometimes, a blood vessel can press against the sciatic nerve when sitting, causing pain. This pressure might not happen when you are walking.

  2. Nerve Entrapment: The sciatic nerve might get trapped or pinched in certain positions, leading to pain. Changing your position, like standing or walking, can relieve this pressure.

  3. Rehabilitation and Relief: Exercises or therapy might help reduce the pain by improving how you sit and move. This can help make the nerve less irritated.

If you have leg pain when sitting, it might help to try different sitting positions or move around more often. If the pain continues, talking with a healthcare provider might be a good idea.

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