As the title says. I go for a 20 minute walk and when I stop moving, I’m not feeling tired or even agitated at all, yet my legs feel like they’re pulsating in different areas, always near the skin. It’s not synchronised with my heartbeat. It stops after a few minutes.
Chat GPT says these are just muscle twitches caused by dehydration or lack of electrolytes. I’m not convinced. Why does it feel almost on the skin and not deeper in the muscles? Why do I feel it after a 20 minute walk that doesn’t make me sweat but I don’t feel it after a 40 minute leg focused workout??? Wouldn’t that be more strenuous on the legs?? Does this thing even have a name?
Thanks
it’s perfectly normal for muscles to twitch after an exercise, and when you get a muscle twitch like that it usually feels like it’s near the skin. your muscles are having trouble recovering and it’s either because they’ve been overworked, or you’re dehydrated, or you’ve been taking stimulants, or you’ve got low magnesium.
Okay, so you’re saying even though I feel it on my skin and not my muscles is still on my muscles. Fair enough. But then why does it happen only with mild activities like walking but not with something more intense?
I never said my skin moved either my dude. It’s a sensation, not a movement
I know what you’re talking about but I don’t know what it is.
Have you checked your blood pressure?
It’s the blood pumping through your arteries. I used to get this even in my teens after very long walks. You’re literally just feeling your own pulse as your heart works a bit harder to meet your body’s elevated demand for blood/oxygen.
I’m not sure why it seems to be more apparent after milder activity, but maybe something like walking doesn’t dialate your blood vessels so much so there’s a bit more pressure at certain points?
If you want to confirm its your blood vessels and not muscles, check your pulse as it’s happening and see if its the same rythmn.
As far as I know it’s normal, since I was in peak physical condition at that age (a lot of athletics, running etc.) but if it seems unusual for you personally I guess bring it up to a doctor.
Many chemists and supermarkets have automated blood pressure check machines. Some are even free.
On leg day do you stretch first, then lift? On walking day do you stretch as well? If that’s “Yes” and “No” try the same warmup on walking day.
Do you have different shoes you wear for each type of activity? Shouldn’t be shock/impact stressors, but if so try wearing the same pair for walking to see if that helps.
Do you have the same drinking pattern during both? Just because you’re not sweating during your waking doesn’t mean that you’re using up fluids. Especially if you’re outside in a much warmer environment vs. inside a moist, humid gym.
Doesn’t sound like blood clots nor (shin) splints, as those are deeper. Nor does it sound like allergies, as that’d be on the skin, from say your laundry detergent, or any grooming lotions and potions.
I have never experienced anything like this. Personally I would ask my doctor about it immediately, it sounds very outlandish, walking should not lead to pulsating of any kind
I’ve met plenty of people who do experience it, but nobody knows what it is. I even encourage you ask people you know, you’d be surprised. I’ve never met someone who would be alarmed by it though. But you are right, it is something I should be asking a doctor. I always forget unfortunately
I heard it was due to greater blood flow to areas that routinely don’t experience that level of flow, kind of like how you really notice the breeze on your face after you shave off your beard. Now, I don’t have any proof this is it, but a month or so of regular brisk walks should be enough for your cardiovascular system to adapt to the new requirements, causing the sensation to vastly reduce if not disappear completely.
