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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?
When you use your muscles, including walking or running, your blood begins flowing through your veins at a greater speed. If you suffer from poor blood circulation, the blood has a more difficult time providing oxygen to your legs and feet. This can the sensations you are feeling. Walking is the best cure for poor circulation. Once you have increased blood circulation, the sensation will go away.
I have the exact same feeling. My husband said when you exercise and elevate your heart rate your blood starts pumping into your muscles. When you stop exercising and feel that popping sensation it's literally the blood in your muscles still pumping. Nothing to fear, it's completely normal
That almost bubbling sensation in your legs is normal.It will occur after a tough session or in your case a jog or walk.Just let it happen
Have y'all asked your doctors about POTS or different forms of Dysautonomia? I have Neurocardiogenic Syncope, and with my low blood pressure I have trouble with blood pooling in my feet and feeling faint along with many other symptoms mainly during exercise. I have this leg popping after walking. If you are feeling dizzy or faint along with your sudden standing or exercising you should look into this. Thanks! I have had NCS for 3 years and before that never had this leg popping problem.
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I have pots and this just happened to me after I went for a long walk but I didnt know the two had any connection. Interesting..
I'm 58 and also feel this sensation when I relax or at bedtime. I exercise regularly and have muscular calves and I also feel it from my ankle to my knee. I have it in one leg only. Once I tried athletic support socks at night. It felt like carbonation from a soda trying to surface.
It might be fascial release. We have fascia that wraps our muscles. It's like plastic wrap. Over time, with no activity, it can get stuck, holding our muscles in one position. Massage therapists can perform fascial release. In order to keep the fascia from sticking requires adequate hydration, movement and heat. Exercise moves and heats the muscles, creating an opportunity for fascial release. Stretching after walking/running might also encourage release. When fascia releases the muscle have an opportunity to assume their truly resting position, which takes stress off of compensating muscles and structures.
i am a regular 14 year old bpth my legs all the way up to my thigh starts to throb when i was run or just out of no were it feel like i am just gonna fall i hurts really bad i ask my doctor he said because im flat footed after i got doctor sools i had them in about 4 months and still they hurt again i dont know what it is but i cant deal with it any longer
I should also clarify: running causes more OVERALL forces to the body with each foot strike than brisk walking, it is just that the forces are dispersed more efficiently when running, due to the body's natural way of responding to the high loads placed on the joints. You can see what I'm referring to by simply observing someone walking quickly versus a runner. In most cases, although the runner is moving faster (thereby withstanding more forces), she/he will APPEAR to carry their weight lighter than the fast walker. That is force distribution at work. This is the reason a ballerina can take a tremendous leap into the air and land her wooden toe silently onto a solid stage.
(I should also correct my gravity comment... No exercise or activity can reduce gravity itself here on Earth, I meant that swimming is an exercise where the EFFECTS of gravity are greatly reduced. In addition, I used the word "pooping" instead of "popping" and "quote" instead of "quite." Pardon my errorrs. Whoooops! I hope my point was still taken with credibility.) Till next time. Cheers.
(I should also correct my gravity comment... No exercise or activity can reduce gravity itself here on Earth, I meant that swimming is an exercise where the EFFECTS of gravity are greatly reduced. In addition, I used the word "pooping" instead of "popping" and "quote" instead of "quite." Pardon my errorrs. Whoooops! I hope my point was still taken with credibility.) Till next time. Cheers.
Ced12345, you are very on it, indeed. I have my degree in Exercise Physiology/Biomechanics and am now a Physiology instructor, and these types of forums always fascinate me. I agree with your points, minus the fasiculation part. (Nor does the pooping occur from dehydration, low blood pressure, blood flow, etc.)
Muscle fasiculations are typically due to, as you've stated, an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. These produce a very uncomfortable feeling; not painful, but annoying (akin to having an eyelid twitch when tired and you just want it to stop because it's so irking, but not in the least painful). In contrast, this (shall we emphasize) PLEASANT popping sensation has been happening to me since I was a teenager (pleasant does not imply good, though, as I'll clarify below). I've been a runner since then and also taught aerobics for 9 years. It generally happens when I've just finished a brisk walk or jog, rather than an intense aerobics class.
Let me enlighten you all on its physiological mechanism of occurrence: weight bearing exercise is the cause, especially that of brisk walking and light jogging after not performing these for some time, or doing either at a greater intensity than normal. Weight bearing exercise is when each foot literally picks up and places back down with some amount of force that is then transferred up the body's kinetic chain (joints)... forms include walking/running/hiking, or any activity where the foot is picked up then placed back down. This does NOT include activities where gravity is reduced, as in swimming, or the feet are kept in place, as on a bike, "stairmaster" or eliptical/precor. Weight bearing exercise jolts the bones and attached connective/muscular tissues causing forces to transfer up the body with each heel strike.
The first area with the greatest force is the knee (thus why sensations are often felt just above this area), to the joints of the hip (iliofemoral/iliosacral joints). At this point the force is GREATLY dispersed when it hits the sacrum and travels up through each of the 24 vertebrae. Thus, the most forces are present between the knee and hip joints.
(The reason the "popping" is primarily felt in the thigh has nothing to do with cellulite or any of the other hypothesis above--although it was fun to read, lol.... You guys crack me up with all your "cellulite dissolving" wishes. I'm sorry to ruin the day for everyone, but this has NOTHING to do with adipose tissue (body fat). Nerve supply to adipose is few and far between, because there is little physioloogical need for nerve-fat innervation. Muscle tissue, however, is intertwined greatly with the nervous system. In fact, each muscle fiber is controlled by a nerve--it's called a "motor unit," and is connected via the neuromuscular junction.)
Anyhow... Gait during walking is normally heel-to-toe, while correct running should be toe-to-heel, thereby reducing forces naturally. This is why the occurrence is so much greater after walking briskly, rather than running. The faster you walk, actually, the greater the forces placed on your joints--especially the knee/hip. Unless you're doing a straight plyometrics class at the gym on concrete, you won't experience the pooping after a class quite like you will after fast walking. In other words, running at a fast pace/doing an intense aerobics class does not cause the sensation as frequently because a natural physiological adaptation during running is to run "lighter," (toe-to-heel) therefore causing less jolt. The same goes for aerobics. Your body protects itself by altering gait mechanics in these intense situations. Conversely, when WALKING fast, the body senses less need to protect the joints, therefore people tend to walk "heavy" as opposed to light and "on their toes," like a ballerina.
To close, although I do enjoy the popping feeling, I know it happens because I've put quite the load on my joints, and so I don't take it as a good thing. Quote the contrary: It means I need to walk lighter. If you don't believe me, try jumping off something high, barefoot, onto concrete, and land on your heels. You'll probably feel this popping feeling for about an hour, but it won't just be in your thighs--it'll also happen in your low back and maybe even your entire vertebral column/core area. The "popping," therefore, is a post-workout sensation of (literally) the "shocks" that have ensued from extreme forces exerted onto the joints. Get better shoes and/or be conscious of keeping your body weight lifted and high, without shrugged the shoulders or placing accentuated strain in the neck/chest when breathing (always use your diaphragm instead of intercostals as your primary breathing muscle). By the way, the symptom of increased blood flow is heat to an area, not popping, and symptoms of dehydration are uncomfortable, involuntary muscular contractions/cramps within a muscle, and generally do not occur in both limbs at the same time. And cellulite, I'm afraid to say, is not capable of "melting," "dissolving," or "popping," (that'd be nice!). Adipose is there for life; the cells only shrink or grow, as ced12345 stated earlier. I hope this explanation helped you all :)
Think ballerinas next time you walk, people. All the best, Namaste!
Muscle fasiculations are typically due to, as you've stated, an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration. These produce a very uncomfortable feeling; not painful, but annoying (akin to having an eyelid twitch when tired and you just want it to stop because it's so irking, but not in the least painful). In contrast, this (shall we emphasize) PLEASANT popping sensation has been happening to me since I was a teenager (pleasant does not imply good, though, as I'll clarify below). I've been a runner since then and also taught aerobics for 9 years. It generally happens when I've just finished a brisk walk or jog, rather than an intense aerobics class.
Let me enlighten you all on its physiological mechanism of occurrence: weight bearing exercise is the cause, especially that of brisk walking and light jogging after not performing these for some time, or doing either at a greater intensity than normal. Weight bearing exercise is when each foot literally picks up and places back down with some amount of force that is then transferred up the body's kinetic chain (joints)... forms include walking/running/hiking, or any activity where the foot is picked up then placed back down. This does NOT include activities where gravity is reduced, as in swimming, or the feet are kept in place, as on a bike, "stairmaster" or eliptical/precor. Weight bearing exercise jolts the bones and attached connective/muscular tissues causing forces to transfer up the body with each heel strike.
The first area with the greatest force is the knee (thus why sensations are often felt just above this area), to the joints of the hip (iliofemoral/iliosacral joints). At this point the force is GREATLY dispersed when it hits the sacrum and travels up through each of the 24 vertebrae. Thus, the most forces are present between the knee and hip joints.
(The reason the "popping" is primarily felt in the thigh has nothing to do with cellulite or any of the other hypothesis above--although it was fun to read, lol.... You guys crack me up with all your "cellulite dissolving" wishes. I'm sorry to ruin the day for everyone, but this has NOTHING to do with adipose tissue (body fat). Nerve supply to adipose is few and far between, because there is little physioloogical need for nerve-fat innervation. Muscle tissue, however, is intertwined greatly with the nervous system. In fact, each muscle fiber is controlled by a nerve--it's called a "motor unit," and is connected via the neuromuscular junction.)
Anyhow... Gait during walking is normally heel-to-toe, while correct running should be toe-to-heel, thereby reducing forces naturally. This is why the occurrence is so much greater after walking briskly, rather than running. The faster you walk, actually, the greater the forces placed on your joints--especially the knee/hip. Unless you're doing a straight plyometrics class at the gym on concrete, you won't experience the pooping after a class quite like you will after fast walking. In other words, running at a fast pace/doing an intense aerobics class does not cause the sensation as frequently because a natural physiological adaptation during running is to run "lighter," (toe-to-heel) therefore causing less jolt. The same goes for aerobics. Your body protects itself by altering gait mechanics in these intense situations. Conversely, when WALKING fast, the body senses less need to protect the joints, therefore people tend to walk "heavy" as opposed to light and "on their toes," like a ballerina.
To close, although I do enjoy the popping feeling, I know it happens because I've put quite the load on my joints, and so I don't take it as a good thing. Quote the contrary: It means I need to walk lighter. If you don't believe me, try jumping off something high, barefoot, onto concrete, and land on your heels. You'll probably feel this popping feeling for about an hour, but it won't just be in your thighs--it'll also happen in your low back and maybe even your entire vertebral column/core area. The "popping," therefore, is a post-workout sensation of (literally) the "shocks" that have ensued from extreme forces exerted onto the joints. Get better shoes and/or be conscious of keeping your body weight lifted and high, without shrugged the shoulders or placing accentuated strain in the neck/chest when breathing (always use your diaphragm instead of intercostals as your primary breathing muscle). By the way, the symptom of increased blood flow is heat to an area, not popping, and symptoms of dehydration are uncomfortable, involuntary muscular contractions/cramps within a muscle, and generally do not occur in both limbs at the same time. And cellulite, I'm afraid to say, is not capable of "melting," "dissolving," or "popping," (that'd be nice!). Adipose is there for life; the cells only shrink or grow, as ced12345 stated earlier. I hope this explanation helped you all :)
Think ballerinas next time you walk, people. All the best, Namaste!
1 Comments
BRILLIANT REPLY! Many thanks!!!!!
I should clarify. Fat cells. They shrink, which is likely what most of you mean by "dissolving." They are always there, it is just that when we "lose" fat our bodies convert molecules in those fat cells to usable forms of energy, thus "shrinking" the cells, thus the reduced appearance of fat. A process that wouldn't be "felt."
"Actually, it is your nerves still firing and making your muscles twitch after strenous exercise, especially after intense aerobic exercise. These muscle twitches are known as fasiculations, which are a small, local, involuntary muscle contractions visible under the skin arising from the spontaneous discharge of skeletal muscle fibers. Fasiculations can be caused by certain motor diseases but are more commonly caused by electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, stress and fatigue. Fasiculations are a normal body response to abrupt changes in activity levels such as running for 30 mins. and then suddenly ending the activity. Their intensity is heightened when it has been awhile between exercising routines."
This above is most logical (someone posted earlier). I for one am horrible at warming up and especially bad at warming down. A typical day for me is a five to seven mile run directly into an 8.6 mph pace, sustained though usually increased, followed by a bike session of ten to twenty miles usually from 21 to 23 mph, with an abrupt stop and zero stretch, which sounds rediculous, but it's a peeve of mine. Nevertheless, while lying down at night, shortly after exercise, I experienced heavy "popping," "twitches," which couldn't possible be related to "fat" because I've hardly got any... and fat doesn't necessarily "dissolve" anyway. So it isn't cellulite dissolving; it would be blood or muscle fiber related. I've begun incorporating a few things that have helped. One, I walk in place, into jumping jacks, slow and then fast, and stretch mildy and finally take my first mile no faster than a 7:30 minute to get juices flowing; different paces for different folks, naturally, the key is let the body build into the workout. Instead of finishing my last mile faster than all others, I reduce speed to nearly an 8 minute mile, to warm down. I stretch and then go to bike. I stretch after a five minute warm down off the bike. Light stretching. Very easy movements (this is horrendous for me--feels good, I just have a problem sitting still); then, something I do love, and feel immideate results with--lye with your butt against the wall and your legs straight up same wall. Hold for three to five minutes. Let the blood drain out of your legs. When you stand, more oxygenated, fresh blood will filter back in. I always feel good after that. By incorporating this, and trying for earlier workouts rather than forty minutes before bed, there is a noticeable reduction in popping, twitching, and the general recovery time has tremendously shortened. And hydrate, hydrate.
This above is most logical (someone posted earlier). I for one am horrible at warming up and especially bad at warming down. A typical day for me is a five to seven mile run directly into an 8.6 mph pace, sustained though usually increased, followed by a bike session of ten to twenty miles usually from 21 to 23 mph, with an abrupt stop and zero stretch, which sounds rediculous, but it's a peeve of mine. Nevertheless, while lying down at night, shortly after exercise, I experienced heavy "popping," "twitches," which couldn't possible be related to "fat" because I've hardly got any... and fat doesn't necessarily "dissolve" anyway. So it isn't cellulite dissolving; it would be blood or muscle fiber related. I've begun incorporating a few things that have helped. One, I walk in place, into jumping jacks, slow and then fast, and stretch mildy and finally take my first mile no faster than a 7:30 minute to get juices flowing; different paces for different folks, naturally, the key is let the body build into the workout. Instead of finishing my last mile faster than all others, I reduce speed to nearly an 8 minute mile, to warm down. I stretch and then go to bike. I stretch after a five minute warm down off the bike. Light stretching. Very easy movements (this is horrendous for me--feels good, I just have a problem sitting still); then, something I do love, and feel immideate results with--lye with your butt against the wall and your legs straight up same wall. Hold for three to five minutes. Let the blood drain out of your legs. When you stand, more oxygenated, fresh blood will filter back in. I always feel good after that. By incorporating this, and trying for earlier workouts rather than forty minutes before bed, there is a noticeable reduction in popping, twitching, and the general recovery time has tremendously shortened. And hydrate, hydrate.
I'm 22 and have been getting the popping sensation in my calves for about 2 years. I'm a keen runner and normally only get the sensation when I have had a long run (6-8 miles) only happens when I'm in bed relaxing too.
I really hate the feeling as it stops me from sleeping, like others I can put my hand on my leg and feel it popping (like a baby moving?!?)
I have found nothing helps to make it go away, other than trying to sleep as to not think of it
I really hate the feeling as it stops me from sleeping, like others I can put my hand on my leg and feel it popping (like a baby moving?!?)
I have found nothing helps to make it go away, other than trying to sleep as to not think of it
Hi Donwan,
I am interested to speak with you as i have most of the symptoms you have and am at my means end. I have fainting fits, fibromyalgia, popping, pins and needles, full body pain and extreme anxiety where i completely freak out and either fall asleep or need to lie down. Can you tell me what you have done or are you still suffering? Thanks
I am interested to speak with you as i have most of the symptoms you have and am at my means end. I have fainting fits, fibromyalgia, popping, pins and needles, full body pain and extreme anxiety where i completely freak out and either fall asleep or need to lie down. Can you tell me what you have done or are you still suffering? Thanks
I know the question was posted a couple years ago I just wanted put in my input....all the ones I have been reading are all wrong...its not bad...it is your fat burning in your thighs or anywhere u feel it after u run jog or anything to do with that. Its just tour fat burning away.
ps. Im 15 and I know that haha pretty pathletic for so many people not to know.
ps. Im 15 and I know that haha pretty pathletic for so many people not to know.
This sounds like a feasible explanation but why, then, does it only occur after walking? It seems a common thread here that if people do more vigorous exercise such as jogging, cycling or aerobics it doesn't happen, this is exactly the same for me, it's only after a brisk walk for at least ten minutes?? Thanks.
your describing something different. sounds like lactic acid accumulation and muscle exertion.
I have this too. I definitely think it's the cellulite dissolving. I have also noticed that when I am overeating and gaining weight the same area with pulsate, not pop. I truly think the popping is the fat being broken down and the pulsating is fat being added to the the cells. I only get the popping during exercise but the pulsating occurs at rest and is associated with overeating. When do you think someone will do some research regarding this? seems like it isn't well known by the medical community. Background info: I have always struggled with my weight. Been overweight (not obese) my whole life and have dieted and exercised regularly so I end up being normal weight every 3 years for 3 years and then gradually regain the weight. Never get heavier than my previous heavy weight luckily. I also have had cellulite since I was 20 and it has gotten worse over the years. Most of my weight is in my legs, always is even when I am slender. I would say I genetically have heavyset legs. To add to this I have varicose and spider veins. My legs actually swell because of the blood pooling. I don't think the popping has to do with my blood vessel problems. I absolutely think it's the fat cells breaking down fat and there is also increased blood flow there to pick up the fat nutrient energy.
After I go for walks, my muscles sometimes twitch and it's the same sensation you're describing. Try getting more potassium and drinking more water- it works for me!
I had been experiencing this too! Although I wasn't exercising. I'm 12, and I'm really athletic.
i have been experiencing this for a few days after my last exercise session, and it is a continuous feeling. also,, it does not feel good to me, but rather like my leg might give out if the "bubbles" were coordinated together.
it is interesting that i do have alot in common with the people on this thread. i have very low blood pressure, suffer from lightheadedness, and even black out if i stand too quickly. i do not have hypothyroidism, however my father does, and ive heard its hereditary.
I am very thin, so the cellulite thing sounds not likely in my case. i do work out 3 to 4 times per wk , and recently upped my frequency, so i do think it is muscular, whatever it is.
i did find a link about restless leg syndrome, and it says this is a precursor to this... i also have terrible insomnia and that too is a symptom of RLS, so im a bit worrried. i plan to have a checkup with my doc to rule out anything serious and will repost if i find out anything relevant.Also, the RLS site said it could be linked to low dopamine levels, which dopamine also helps us to sleep at night.
it is interesting that i do have alot in common with the people on this thread. i have very low blood pressure, suffer from lightheadedness, and even black out if i stand too quickly. i do not have hypothyroidism, however my father does, and ive heard its hereditary.
I am very thin, so the cellulite thing sounds not likely in my case. i do work out 3 to 4 times per wk , and recently upped my frequency, so i do think it is muscular, whatever it is.
i did find a link about restless leg syndrome, and it says this is a precursor to this... i also have terrible insomnia and that too is a symptom of RLS, so im a bit worrried. i plan to have a checkup with my doc to rule out anything serious and will repost if i find out anything relevant.Also, the RLS site said it could be linked to low dopamine levels, which dopamine also helps us to sleep at night.
So I'm not alone! I experience the same popping thing and have for about 10 yrs now whenever I engage in a brisk walk or run. The sensation is confined to my thighs and buttock area. I used to be much more active and in better shape and did NOT have this sensation back then. I also tire easily when walking up stairs or riding a bike for instance. I feel a bit on the "weak" side muscularly speaking.. And my blood pressure is on the abnormally low side. I cannot help but think it may be more pressure/circulation related than not. As much of an optimist as I am and although I'd love it to be the case, i don't believe this is cellulite instantly disappearing. Thanks for all the posts, let's learn of a more definitive answer soon.
I hit this thread on Google after I searched for "tingling veins" or something like that. After reading this thres, I could describe my experience better. Yes, I do feel the popping / tingling sensation in my legs and thighs. Just as described by many people here. In addition, I also feel them elsewhere, like neck, left hand, near heart, sometimes even head, etc.
And it's a good feeling. Although, I don't exercise or walk much. I am thin and have moderate food intake.
I have been getting these sensations since last few months. This also coincides with the periods of my life where I have been feeling most peaceful and relaxed after years of struggle (mostly internal). I get these at nearly all times, while working, while focussed on something, while reading, even as I type this.
As I think about it, these sensations have to do with feelings of happiness, peace and strength after decades of continuous minor stress.
And it's a good feeling. Although, I don't exercise or walk much. I am thin and have moderate food intake.
I have been getting these sensations since last few months. This also coincides with the periods of my life where I have been feeling most peaceful and relaxed after years of struggle (mostly internal). I get these at nearly all times, while working, while focussed on something, while reading, even as I type this.
As I think about it, these sensations have to do with feelings of happiness, peace and strength after decades of continuous minor stress.
I get "bubbles" before I exercise. I have a desk job and when I get off work, by the time I walk through the building to the outside, the bubbles run down my left leg from hip to the feet. At first I thought the ground was vibrating, but it was inside my leg and foot. I cannot feel the bubbles with my hand, and stomping or running does not stop it. I cannot believe that educated doctors cannot find a correct answer to this problem since so many people have it. I saw answers here that only relate to exercising - mine are not related to exercising. Mine actually go away when I take my long walk at night with the dogs. No more guessing - some physician find an answer!
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 muscular "crawling". 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.
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