Why Might I Experience Leg Pain When Sitting but Not When Walking, and How Can It Be Relieved?

Sometimes, when you sit for extended periods, the way your body is positioned can put extra pressure on nerves or tiny blood vessels in your leg, particularly around the pelvic and gluteal areas. For example, when you sit, the sciatic nerve—which runs from your lower back to your legs—might become compressed, leading to pain or cramps. One reason for this could be vascular compression from varicose veins in the gluteal area that press on nerves, as seen in some cases. In contrast, walking allows your muscles and joints to move, which helps relieve that pressure and improves blood flow, so the pain might disappear when you’re active. To ease the discomfort when sitting, try to adjust your position frequently, use supportive cushions, or take short breaks to stand and stretch. Gentle exercises or physical therapy can also help to relieve nerve tension and strengthen supporting muscles. If your leg pain continues or worsens, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions and to get guidance on managing the pain effectively.