What causes leg pain after sitting for a long time?

Generally speaking, leg pain caused by prolonged sitting may be due to improper posture, muscle fatigue, arthritis, intervertebral disc herniation, synovitis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the specific cause and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Posture

Sitting for long periods with improper posture, such as crossing legs, leaning forward or backward, may cause twisting of the spine and pelvis, which can compress the sciatic nerve or lower limb blood vessels, resulting in leg pain. Symptoms may also include numbness, tingling sensations in the legs, and even difficulty walking. Maintain proper sitting posture by keeping the spine neutral and both feet flat on the floor.

2. Muscle Fatigue

Remaining sedentary for extended periods causes leg muscles to remain in a static state without adequate movement or stretching, leading to muscle fatigue and tension, which can cause pain. Symptoms may include muscle stiffness, soreness, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. Engage in moderate aerobic exercise regularly, such as walking or jogging, to strengthen leg muscles and improve endurance.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Prolonged sitting may increase joint stress and worsen arthritis symptoms, such as pain and swelling. Sitting for extended periods in the same position can impair blood circulation and also cause pain. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, Fengshi Guitong capsules, or celecoxib capsules for treatment.

4. Intervertebral Disc Herniation

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the protrusion of the disc's nucleus pulposus, which compresses nerve roots or the spinal cord. Sitting for long periods may increase the burden on the lumbar spine and raise the risk of disc herniation, which can compress nerve roots and cause leg pain. In addition to leg pain, symptoms may include back pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower limbs. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen capsules, aspirin tablets, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

5. Synovitis

Synovitis is a joint condition caused by inflammation of the synovial membrane, which leads to fluid imbalance and joint effusion. Prolonged sitting may compress or wear the joint synovium, triggering synovitis, which manifests as leg pain and swelling. Symptoms may also include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and sometimes limited mobility. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as isoniazid tablets, triamcinolone acetonide-neomycin paste, or celecoxib capsules for treatment.

Maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and avoid prolonged sitting or standing in daily life.