Stiffness in legs is a common condition with most people, and in most cases, it is not severe. However, if the same worsens over time or is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, then it may be concerning.

Generally, in youth, stiffness in legs is dominantly due to poor sitting, standing and walking habits that has continued for years. Some experience it due to lack of exercises. People who don't exercise properly may find difficulty in bending, as the leg muscles become inflexible due to poor usage. Some people experience it after sitting for some hours, while some experience the problems after sleeping. In legs, issues related to the stiffness can interfere with the daily life of an individual and may be accompanied by temporary pain or soreness in the legs. The person may feel discomfort in carrying out daily chores as well.

What Does Stiffness in Legs Mean?

Stiffness is mostly due to bone problems that occur commonly affect older people. For majority of the people, it is due to under oxygenation of the leg muscles thereby leading to the build up of lactic acid. This gives the feeling of muscle cramps that can be at times painful.

Some people, who experience this condition after sleeping, may find it difficult to walk immediately after they wake up. They may experience pain when they keep their feet on the floor. Due to sedentary lifestyle, the muscles of the legs are often held in contracted positions for longer periods of time and so it can lead to extremely stiff legs. Based on medical investigations, doctors have agreed that there is no specific cause of this issue and they have come to the conclusion that they usually increase with the aging process. In severe diseases, the person may feel stiffness in legs but that may be due to weaknesses in the legs.

What Can You Do?

As such there are no special treatment methods devised to treat stiffness legs. Taking adequate rest at regular intervals after exercising, massage therapy, physical exercises, application of cold or heat are some of the treatment measures for stiffness in legs. The important thing to know while treating it is that we have to maintain the flexibility and toning of the muscles. Regular physical exercises can help in improving blood circulation in the legs and that improves the health of bones. Some simple exercises can help us in improving muscle flexibility.

Yoga exercises can also help one to release the tension between the joints and ligaments, imparting them flexibility. One should be aware of correct postures of sitting and must practice them in the daily life. Furniture in the home and office must be proper and should not cause any discomfort to you. In case, you are experiencing muscle stiffness on a regular basis, then you must seek medical help.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.