Why Sitting For Long Hours Can Cause Tingling In Legs ?

By Vanshika Gaur
28 May 2025, 16:30 IST

Sitting for long hours has become a common habit for many and prolonged sitting can cause a tingling sensation, also referred to as ‘pins and needles’, in the legs. This sensation can be due to numerous reasons. Tap to know the causes behind it!

Reduced Blood Flow

When we sit for too long, it can compress the nerves in the thighs and calves, reducing blood flow to the lower limbs and leading to a tingling sensation.

Edema

Prolonged sitting can reduce blood flow to the lower limbs, causing fluid retention in lower legs, making them tingle and swell, a condition known as edema.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin deficiency like vitamin B12 can cause nerve issues and prolonged sitting can compress them, reducing blood circulation and causing a tingling sensation.

Nerve Compression

Extended periods of sitting can also compress the nerves in the knees or hips, disrupting proper blood flow and causing a tingling sensation in the legs.

Muscle Tightness

Prolonged sitting can tighten the muscles in hips and hamstrings, and weaken the glutes, leading to tingling sensation or numbness in lower limbs.

Disc Compression

Sitting in poor posture for long hours can cause the spinal discs to compress in the lower back, leading to numbness or tingling sensation.

Information Credits

According to Pubmed, sitting for too long can cause tingling sensation due to edema, reduced blood flow, nerve compression, and more. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.