What Causes Trouble Walking After Sitting for a Long Period?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Extended sitting can make walking difficult by reducing blood flow and causing leg muscle stiffness. Nerve compression from being seated can lead to temporary numbness and tingling in the legs.

Explanation

When you sit for extended periods, your leg muscles become inactive and blood flow decreases. This leads to muscle stiffness and tightness, making walking difficult. The pressure on the back of the thighs from sitting also can reduce circulation and compress nerves, leading to temporary numbness or tingling sensations in your legs. This can make your legs feel heavy and can cause trouble when you try to walk. Taking regular breaks to stand and stretch helps maintain blood flow and reduces pressure on leg nerves and blood vessels—making walking easier.

(References)

Okino K, Aoki M, Yamane M, Kataoka Y, Nitta A, Kohmura C. Prolonged Sitting Causes Leg Discomfort in Middle Aged Adults: Evaluation of Shear Wave Velocity, Calf Circumference, and Discomfort Questionaries. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 12;11(14):4024. doi: 10.3390/jcm11144024. PMID: 35887787; PMCID: PMC9320137.
Waters TR, Dick RB. Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness. Rehabil Nurs. 2015 May-Jun;40(3):148-65. doi: 10.1002/rnj.166. Epub 2014 Jul 7. PMID: 25041875; PMCID: PMC4591921.
Restaino RM, Holwerda SW, Credeur DP, Fadel PJ, Padilla J. Impact of prolonged sitting on lower and upper limb micro- and macrovascular dilator function. Exp Physiol. 2015 Jul 1;100(7):829-38. doi: 10.1113/EP085238. Epub 2015 Jun 10. PMID: 25929229; PMCID: PMC4956484.

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