Strange vibration in leg muscles

Over about the past month I have developed a strange "vibration" in the area of what I believe to be my rectus femoris muscles. To be clear I am talking about the upper leg muscles that run directly down the front of the thigh.

As an example of what it feels like, you can set your cell phone to vibrate and press it against the area I am talking about, and when the phone rings that's what it feels like. When it twitches I am constantly checking my front pocket to make sure I didn't stick my phone in there.

This only happens when I am standing. It's not constant, it comes and goes in very short bursts which almost seem timed, like a phone ringing. Hence why I always think I left my phone in my pocket. If I apply pressure to the muscle it seems to stop it until I release. It seems to affect both my legs at once, though the right leg is stronger than the left. Changing my stance does not seem to affect it.

As for background I am male, and even though I am middle aged I work out a lot and would describe myself as athletic. I am not overweight.

Any ideas?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

I am not sure what is causing this vibration in your leg, but the best place to start to find out would be either your regular doctor, or if you can see one, a neurologist.  Either one can do a physical exam and start to rule out any possible causes ( your regular physician may refer you to a neurologist).  This could be something as  simple as an electrolyte imbalance or could be a little more involved.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Bridget