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Light Tingling / Popping Sensation in Legs After Jogging
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?
I have this sensation also, right now in fact. I have an eating disorder (excercise bulimia/anorexia). I recently had an injury from overuse, and after taking 3 forced weeks off, I began running again, but I have put on so much fat during that 3 weeks... I did a long low grade workout today, about 6 hours ago, and - My legs are popping like CRAZY for about the past half hour or so...
I haven't seen anyone post about the reverse phenomenon, where you can feel the fat being put on also. I feel it. It is kind of the same feeling, but I know if it is going in or out because of how I am living/eating/excerising (either overkill, or not getting out of bed for days and eating nonstop). otherwise, the feeling is the same.
I have also identified two separate feelings of these twitches. One is more like a light popping/tingling in the fat in my legs. But then, sometimes in my gut or in my butt fat, I get these single stronger twitches, almost like my veins are trying to pull out fat, and it snags coming out because its too big for the vein. I know that sounds weird, but i don't know how else to describe it - its a single, stronger twitch that repeats quickly for a second or two (this is longer than the little leg twitches, which are like a third of a second each).
Anyone else experience the two types of twitches and the reverse popping?
I haven't seen anyone post about the reverse phenomenon, where you can feel the fat being put on also. I feel it. It is kind of the same feeling, but I know if it is going in or out because of how I am living/eating/excerising (either overkill, or not getting out of bed for days and eating nonstop). otherwise, the feeling is the same.
I have also identified two separate feelings of these twitches. One is more like a light popping/tingling in the fat in my legs. But then, sometimes in my gut or in my butt fat, I get these single stronger twitches, almost like my veins are trying to pull out fat, and it snags coming out because its too big for the vein. I know that sounds weird, but i don't know how else to describe it - its a single, stronger twitch that repeats quickly for a second or two (this is longer than the little leg twitches, which are like a third of a second each).
Anyone else experience the two types of twitches and the reverse popping?
Wow, what a thread! I'm glad I found it. I have the same popping sensations in my legs after running, sprinting, jogging. That's exactly what they feel like little bubble wrap bubbles popping inside the muscle in the gluteus butt muscle, hamstrings, calves. Basically all the legs or exactly the muscle groups that were just used in that work out. I don't feel them near the skin I feel them deep within the legs basically all throughout the muscle tissue areas. It was very weird for me because like many people on this forum I never had these feelings most of my life and they just started when I was about 25 years old. I'm now 29. I used to run track in high school too and never had these sensations, and did bodybuilding for 5 years straight in college also never having these sensations whatsoever. Then I stopped exercising for a few years and gained weight. Went from around 12% body fat all my life to 27% body fat. I then started jogging after a few years and that's when I first noticed the "fasciculations" or popping sensations after a run when you sit down on the couch for about 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes and they start popping all over the legs like hundreds of pops over the course of minutes time.
I'm a biomedical engineer so I went through all the research and here are my thoughts on the top hypotheses out there for these conditions. From an engineering standpoint the continuing leg muscle nerve firing post strenuous aerobic leg workout seems the most plausible cause. Basically like electrical noise in a system there is electrical noise in the muscle fibers that were just actuated during the workout so the little individual fibers are being slightly activated in a random order, just as normal noise in any electrical system whether biological or not would work. Because this is "noise" it manifests itself as little popping sensations randomly all over the legs as the individual muscle fibers are contracting instantly. This is very different from a twitching of the entire quad or hamstring muscle for example which would cause a movement of the leg. The fasciculation nerve actuations are too small and "noisy" to cause a big movement or big muscle twitch and manifest as what feels like to you tiny popping sensations all over the legs, butt, or whatever muscle you just worked out. Basically you wait 15 or 20 minutes for these nerves to "quiet down" as they say and return to a more normal resting state where they are not being given a constant "on" signal by the brain as when you are running and jogging. At this point the popping stops. This is the theory that makes the most sense of all the other theories.
I am also thinking about the correlation here of many like myself who didn't have fasciculations until they gained a lot of fat. However this doesn't necessarily mean you can just make the conclusion that the popping are "fat cells bursting". There can be other correlations perhaps some effect of the extra fat in and around the muscle tissue affecting the nerve action such as creating electrical insulation to the nerve fibers allowing them to remain more "active" after a workout than someone who is thin for example. But there is definitely some correlation because I, like others, never had these "poppings" during the years they were low body fat and started having them after they gained weight.
So there are many theories out there as to what these sensations are but it is very comforting that so many people are having them as well with no adverse I'll effects. It would be nice to see a true research study conducted on this phenomenon with a group of distributed individuals performing exercises then being monitored for fasciculations. In the meantime we must continue to troll medical forums and research on the internet to try to come to some conclusion.
I'm a biomedical engineer so I went through all the research and here are my thoughts on the top hypotheses out there for these conditions. From an engineering standpoint the continuing leg muscle nerve firing post strenuous aerobic leg workout seems the most plausible cause. Basically like electrical noise in a system there is electrical noise in the muscle fibers that were just actuated during the workout so the little individual fibers are being slightly activated in a random order, just as normal noise in any electrical system whether biological or not would work. Because this is "noise" it manifests itself as little popping sensations randomly all over the legs as the individual muscle fibers are contracting instantly. This is very different from a twitching of the entire quad or hamstring muscle for example which would cause a movement of the leg. The fasciculation nerve actuations are too small and "noisy" to cause a big movement or big muscle twitch and manifest as what feels like to you tiny popping sensations all over the legs, butt, or whatever muscle you just worked out. Basically you wait 15 or 20 minutes for these nerves to "quiet down" as they say and return to a more normal resting state where they are not being given a constant "on" signal by the brain as when you are running and jogging. At this point the popping stops. This is the theory that makes the most sense of all the other theories.
I am also thinking about the correlation here of many like myself who didn't have fasciculations until they gained a lot of fat. However this doesn't necessarily mean you can just make the conclusion that the popping are "fat cells bursting". There can be other correlations perhaps some effect of the extra fat in and around the muscle tissue affecting the nerve action such as creating electrical insulation to the nerve fibers allowing them to remain more "active" after a workout than someone who is thin for example. But there is definitely some correlation because I, like others, never had these "poppings" during the years they were low body fat and started having them after they gained weight.
So there are many theories out there as to what these sensations are but it is very comforting that so many people are having them as well with no adverse I'll effects. It would be nice to see a true research study conducted on this phenomenon with a group of distributed individuals performing exercises then being monitored for fasciculations. In the meantime we must continue to troll medical forums and research on the internet to try to come to some conclusion.
I think what's going on here is that there is more than one (possibly 3 or 4) phenomenon being described here and everyone is lumping them together. Some people may be experiencing fasciculations but I am quite sure I am not.
Here is why I think, at least in my case THESE ARE NOT FASCICULATIONS:
Fasciculations: Light twitches at or near the surface of the muscle that kind of feel like tingling or light popping sensation. Now when everyone said "feel like" I am assuming they mean "feel" in their legs. Some people even said they can feel them with their fingers (in their legs).
My experience: Nothing happens on it's own. I repeat, unless I use my hands, I do not get this sensation. To get the sensation I use my thumb and index finger and pinch a large skin fold. I recently lost weight so I have loose skin that still has a lot of fat left in it. In my case it works near my hip or inner thigh. I squeeze down and I feel a pop. Bubble wrap could not be a more perfect description. I feel it, not in my legs, but with my fingers - pop!. I can probably feel it a little in the actual skin of my leg but it's very obvious on my fingertips. Again, this is in skin that has been pulled away from the muscle at least a centimetre. The pop actually occurs at the pads of my finger and thumb and not at the tips so there is no way you're going to convince me that this is a muscle twitch, especially since my fingers caused it. Also, like bubble wrap, once I have 'popped' a certain spot, I can't pop it again until my next run.
The experience is pleasant and I wouldn't even go so far as to say there is 'tingling'. I also don't think it is a coincidence that it happens only in the two spots that used to have a lot of fat and are now very 'deflated'. It does not happen on other parts of my thigh were the skin is tighter (even though it's the same muscle group). Next time I get it, I will try prodding around other flabby areas (abs, love handles, etc.) to see if it's not only in the legs for me.
So again, maybe some people are experiencing fasciculations, but I am pretty sure I, and probably at least a few other people here, are not.
Have we discovered something that science hasn't documented yet?
soup
Here is why I think, at least in my case THESE ARE NOT FASCICULATIONS:
Fasciculations: Light twitches at or near the surface of the muscle that kind of feel like tingling or light popping sensation. Now when everyone said "feel like" I am assuming they mean "feel" in their legs. Some people even said they can feel them with their fingers (in their legs).
My experience: Nothing happens on it's own. I repeat, unless I use my hands, I do not get this sensation. To get the sensation I use my thumb and index finger and pinch a large skin fold. I recently lost weight so I have loose skin that still has a lot of fat left in it. In my case it works near my hip or inner thigh. I squeeze down and I feel a pop. Bubble wrap could not be a more perfect description. I feel it, not in my legs, but with my fingers - pop!. I can probably feel it a little in the actual skin of my leg but it's very obvious on my fingertips. Again, this is in skin that has been pulled away from the muscle at least a centimetre. The pop actually occurs at the pads of my finger and thumb and not at the tips so there is no way you're going to convince me that this is a muscle twitch, especially since my fingers caused it. Also, like bubble wrap, once I have 'popped' a certain spot, I can't pop it again until my next run.
The experience is pleasant and I wouldn't even go so far as to say there is 'tingling'. I also don't think it is a coincidence that it happens only in the two spots that used to have a lot of fat and are now very 'deflated'. It does not happen on other parts of my thigh were the skin is tighter (even though it's the same muscle group). Next time I get it, I will try prodding around other flabby areas (abs, love handles, etc.) to see if it's not only in the legs for me.
So again, maybe some people are experiencing fasciculations, but I am pretty sure I, and probably at least a few other people here, are not.
Have we discovered something that science hasn't documented yet?
soup
How to Understand What Causes Muscle Twitching After Exercise
By Kristie Leong M.D., eHow Member
I want to do this! What's This?
User-Submitted Article
You've just finished your running workout and are quietly relaxing with a glass of cold lemonade when you feel your leg start to twitch. You become increasingly concerned as it continues its annoying, rhythmic contractions. In the back of your mind you begin to worry that you have a strange neurological disease. Is this justified? Do you need to be concerned about muscle twitches after exercise?
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
1
Muscle twitches after exercise has the scientific name of benign fasciculations. Benign fasciculations can occur even in the absence of exercise, although exercise is a well known trigger of this condition. Benign fasciculations usually involve the feet, hands, arms, or legs, although almost any muscle can be affected. By their very definition, they are benign and aren't indicative of serious underlying disease.
2
nign fasciculations or muscle twitches after exercise is surprisingly common. After the muscles have undergone an intense workout, biochemical changes take place as the muscle responds to the stress of exercised Lactic acid builds up in the fatigued muscle and formation of free radicals occur which believe can alter the excitability of muscle tissue. Endurance athletes and runners are particularly prone to the type of free radical formation that can lead to muscle twitches after exercise. Eating more antioxidant rich foods may help to reduce exercise related muscle twitches, although there are no studies to document this.
3
Can muscle twitches after exercise be a sign of something more serious? Fasciculations can be a sign of a more serious neurological disease such as ALS; but the twitches seen with ALS usually occur with movement rather than at rest and are generally associated with muscle weakness. With benign fasciculations, the muscle twitches almost always stop when the muscle is moved. Nevertheless, if the problem is persistent, an EMG study to check for abnormal muscle activity may be needed.
4
How can muscle twitches after exercise be prevented? Staying well hydrated and replacing electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, and potassium lost through sweating may reduce the risk of benign fasciculations after a workout. Two drinks that may be particularly helpful are Gatorade which is rich in electrolytes and green tea a source of antioxidants which can offset some of the muscle free radical formation. Try mixing the two together to create your own sports drink. Stretching before and after a workout and not doing too much too quickly can also help to prevent muscle twitches after exercise. Be sure to take some rest between workouts. The same muscles shouldn't be worked every day. Allow at least forty-eight hours between resistance training routines unless you're working different muscles.
5
The bottom line? Muscle twitches after exercise are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, see your doctor.
Read more: How to Understand What Causes Muscle Twitching After Exercise | eHow.com http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:waN6bnaF-2wJ:www.ehow.com/how_5276858_understand-muscle-twitching-after-exercise.html+lactic+acid+leg+twitches+after+walking&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us#ixzz12AHWHJO9
By Kristie Leong M.D., eHow Member
I want to do this! What's This?
User-Submitted Article
You've just finished your running workout and are quietly relaxing with a glass of cold lemonade when you feel your leg start to twitch. You become increasingly concerned as it continues its annoying, rhythmic contractions. In the back of your mind you begin to worry that you have a strange neurological disease. Is this justified? Do you need to be concerned about muscle twitches after exercise?
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
1
Muscle twitches after exercise has the scientific name of benign fasciculations. Benign fasciculations can occur even in the absence of exercise, although exercise is a well known trigger of this condition. Benign fasciculations usually involve the feet, hands, arms, or legs, although almost any muscle can be affected. By their very definition, they are benign and aren't indicative of serious underlying disease.
2
nign fasciculations or muscle twitches after exercise is surprisingly common. After the muscles have undergone an intense workout, biochemical changes take place as the muscle responds to the stress of exercised Lactic acid builds up in the fatigued muscle and formation of free radicals occur which believe can alter the excitability of muscle tissue. Endurance athletes and runners are particularly prone to the type of free radical formation that can lead to muscle twitches after exercise. Eating more antioxidant rich foods may help to reduce exercise related muscle twitches, although there are no studies to document this.
3
Can muscle twitches after exercise be a sign of something more serious? Fasciculations can be a sign of a more serious neurological disease such as ALS; but the twitches seen with ALS usually occur with movement rather than at rest and are generally associated with muscle weakness. With benign fasciculations, the muscle twitches almost always stop when the muscle is moved. Nevertheless, if the problem is persistent, an EMG study to check for abnormal muscle activity may be needed.
4
How can muscle twitches after exercise be prevented? Staying well hydrated and replacing electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, and potassium lost through sweating may reduce the risk of benign fasciculations after a workout. Two drinks that may be particularly helpful are Gatorade which is rich in electrolytes and green tea a source of antioxidants which can offset some of the muscle free radical formation. Try mixing the two together to create your own sports drink. Stretching before and after a workout and not doing too much too quickly can also help to prevent muscle twitches after exercise. Be sure to take some rest between workouts. The same muscles shouldn't be worked every day. Allow at least forty-eight hours between resistance training routines unless you're working different muscles.
5
The bottom line? Muscle twitches after exercise are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, see your doctor.
Read more: How to Understand What Causes Muscle Twitching After Exercise | eHow.com http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:waN6bnaF-2wJ:www.ehow.com/how_5276858_understand-muscle-twitching-after-exercise.html+lactic+acid+leg+twitches+after+walking&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us#ixzz12AHWHJO9
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:waN6bnaF-2wJ:www.ehow.com/how_5276858_understand-muscle-twitching-after-exercise.html+lactic+acid+leg+twitches+after+walking&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
This website explains it...
This website explains it...
After reading through this forum, everyone has said the popping sensation is pleasant or feels good, but I have to disagree. I have painful shin splints that are aggravated by simply walking, and I feel this popping sensation just by bending forward to touch my toes. Could I be experiencing something different, or is the feeling intensified because the shin muscle is so thin? I am a healthy 20 year old female, 5'4, 110 lbs, and no longer running... feedback is GREATLY appreciated!
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