Can prolonged sitting cause soreness in the calves?
Disease description:
I often have to sit for the entire day due to work. Recently, my calves have been sore—could this be caused by prolonged sitting? Is there anything I can do to relieve the discomfort?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
In general, prolonged sitting can cause soreness in the calves.
During prolonged sitting, the activity of the lower limb muscles decreases and blood circulation slows down, leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs, especially in the calf area. This not only increases the difficulty of venous return but may also cause accumulation of local metabolic products, which can stimulate nerve endings and cause soreness. At the same time, maintaining the same posture for a long time prevents the calf muscles from getting adequate rest, keeping them in a state of slight contraction, which can easily lead to muscle tension and fatigue, resulting in soreness.
It is recommended to take certain measures to alleviate calf soreness caused by prolonged sitting, such as standing up and walking around periodically to promote blood circulation; adjusting sitting posture to ensure proper support for the calves; and performing stretching and relaxation exercises for the calf muscles to relieve muscle tension. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding wearing high heels for extended periods can also help prevent the occurrence of calf soreness.
In daily life, it is important to establish healthy habits, avoid sitting still for long periods, keep the body active, and reduce health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
