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That erratic pulsating sensation on your legs after a brisk walk- what is it? And more questions (mander.xyz)

submitted 5 months ago by Mothra@mander.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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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

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[–] retrospectology@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

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.

[–] Mothra@mander.xyz 1 points 5 months ago

I used to believe the same but the thing that puzzles me is that it's not with the rhythm of my heartbeat. It feels like skin flushing from blood flow like you describe, but in patches, and they all pulsate at different speeds.