Why Does My Body Tingle After Exercise?

Tingling sensations throughout your body after exercise can be related to a variety of issues. Often, they’re due to a neurological or vascular problem. In their mildest or most harmless forms, tingling sensations could be the result of workout clothing or shoes that are improperly fitted, or they could be related to circulation changes during the workout, according to Uncommon Physical Therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Regardless of the location and cause of the tingling, you should pay attention. If it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, or if the pain or tingling doesn’t dissipate after you stop exercising, you might be dealing with a more serious issue.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Intense regular exercise, especially when it puts pressure on the same muscles repeatedly, can cause swelling to build up over time, restricting blood flow to the muscles and nerves, the Cleveland Clinic says.

This painful condition is known as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), or exertional compartment syndrome. It’s usually treated with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), changing your workout routine, and physical therapy.

In severe cases, you may need surgery. Symptoms of CECS include:

• Visible swelling around muscles
• Muscle pain and tightness
• A tingly feeling, burning pain, or numbness in the affected area

Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Irregular calf muscles can press on the popliteal artery, which runs behind the knee, causing popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, the Mayo Clinic says. Pressure on that large artery during exercise can restrict blood flow to the calves and feet and produce a tingly or burning sensation, numbness, or cold feet.

The pain occurs during exercise and is alleviated with rest. This condition is rarely diagnosed in people over age 40 and occurs more often in men. If the condition significantly affects your everyday routine or athletic performance, surgery may be considered.

Speak with your doctor if you think this may be the cause of your symptoms.

Sciatica

A tingly feeling that runs down the back of one leg from the buttock or back is often sciatica, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City says. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and runs down the leg, where it branches into smaller sections.

When that nerve becomes compressed, the result can be a painful or tingling feeling down the affected nerve.

You may experience:

• Pain that feels like it starts in the buttock, rather than the back
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Altered reflexes

Sciatica often resolves on its own. Treatment typically begins with rest, lower back stretches, ice, and NSAIDs. If symptoms are severe or haven’t improved after three days, consult your doctor.

Other medications, such as steroid injections, are sometimes used. Surgery to decompress the nerve may be an option in severe cases.

Considerations

Muscles get sore when exercising, so it’s important to distinguish between sore muscles and tingling ones. With rest, sore muscles should get better within three days of a workout, says University of Missouri Health Care.

Tingling should be watched carefully. If the tingling occurs every time you exercise, consult your doctor. Be ready to answer questions about how the tingling feeling starts, how long it lasts, and what helps make it go away.

The Takeaway

• Tingling sensations can be caused by minor issues like tight workout clothes or more severe conditions like chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).
• Most causes of tingling can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, though severe cases may warrant surgery.
• It’s best to check in with a doctor if you begin experiencing tingling before, during, or after working out, especially if it’s also painful.