Light Tingling / Popping Sensation in Legs After Jogging

[gregswife02]

I started a walking / jogging program about 5 weeks ago.  I've been steadily progressing, walking less and jogging more, without any real problems.  The last two times I've worked out I experienced a strange sensation in the back of my legs after exercise.  It felt like tiny bubbles were popping all up and down the backs of my legs- especially in my thighs.  It does not hurt in the least.  In fact, it's actually a pleasant feeling.  I stretch well before and after exercising.  It is during the stretching that I notice the feeling, but I think it starts when I'm running.  I'm just too busy to notice it then.  Should I be concerned about this?

[Vanessa2011]

I have had these sensations late evening-time and even in bed in my calf.  I am fairly active and weight-train three times a week.  It feels like popping or twitching.  I can actually feel the movement under the skin when I place my hand on my calf.   It lasts maybe 5 minutes.  I was wondering if a supplement would help.

[Marie219]

I have read everyones comments on here and have to say that I have experienced these popping sensations for years. I have been thin and medium size and now a little on the heavy side. I have had low blood pressure and now have normal blood pressure. I have serious health problems now, such as Brain tumor and periods of blindness.
I wanted to say this popping sensation is not like a bubble wrap. Because when you pop a bubble wrap it takes a few seconds or more to go on to the next bubble. It is like pop corn popping. It does not hurt. I actually look forward to it. When I exercise if I don't get this feeling then I know that I have not done a good enough work out. You don't get it hours after working out. It is not a muscle strain, or muscle twitching, I have those due to my illness and know what those feel like.It is not on the surface of your skin and does not tingle. I get that too. It is a constant popping sensation that lasts for about 5 mins after sitting down after your exercise. I like to believe it is the fat breaking up on my thighs.
I would say that it is nothing to worry about and those who are experiencing pain or If you are getting this sensation hours afterwards it is not the same and may want to discuss with your doctor.
I have described this to my husband and he too looks at me like I am strange, so I thought I was the only one who experienced this but always found it satisfying and strive for the sensation everytime.

[alicat417]

I have this same popping sensation in my upper thighs after vigorous walks/jogs.  I find it to be more intense If I walk on paved roads rather than on a treadmill or elliptical machine.  I first noticed it happening in my early twenties. I am now a 31 yr old female, 5'7", 135 lbs who exercises moderately. It seems to help if I stretch or do strength training exercises immediately following cardio.  I have always been concerned because I have not been able to find anyone else with this issue.  This thread has definitely eased my concerns! So glad to see that so many others experience this, too.  I should note that I do have hypothyroidism so maybe it could be related..or maybe it is a coincidence.  I guess we don't really know at this point.  Thank you for this thread! I suddenly feel like jogging!

[katybauman]

I'd like to think of it as cellulite bursting!!!!!! Be GONE, cellulite!

[pineapple283]

I have gotten this kind of sensation since my early 20s. It happens after a long walk after I have not walked for a long time. I describe it as a "pumping" sensation but popping could also describe it. To me, it feels like blood pumping in my legs. About one pump or pop every second, each time in a different, random place on either my thighs or calves. The popping gradually slows then stops after a few minutes. I am thin but carry more fat on my thighs than anywhere else. I have normal blood pressure, but I feel dizzy if I stand up too fast. And like I said, this only happens after I exercise when I haven't been active for a while. I don't think it's anything to worry about in itself. From reading this, it seems like most people with leg popping have lower blood pressure. I am thinking there is some kind of genetic predisposition which increases your risk for leg popping, low blood pressure, fatigue, thyroid problems, etc. Even though I do not have all of those symptoms, they do run in my family. And my two sisters also experience the leg popping sensation after exercising.

[ThatGuyintheAirForce]

Muscles are composed of actin and myosin fibers. These fibers essentially lock and pull together (to contract the muscle) then unlock and release (to expand the muscle). After exercising muscle fibers sometimes remain tense or contracted. Moving the fibers by walking, jumping, stretching, etc. forcefully unlocks the myosin and actin heads thus causing that "pop" sound heard within your leg muscles. Happens to me all the time especially after exercising my legs.