difficulty getting up and walking after sitting

[wackylee]

Otherwise perfectly healthy, 49 year old - 116 pounds. Upper legs (perhaps hips?) extremely sore and almost go out from under me when I try to stand up and walk after sitting in a chair/sofa/bed etc. Seems to be getting worse. Not tied to injury that I can think of or exercise although I've tried to increase walking to see if it improves the condition. It hasn't. Pain still hurts when walking but not as severe as when I first get up.  What is this? Used to run marathons, ski, cycle - its been a life changing problem and I'd like to find a cure. Thanks for your input.

[tgrinnell2]

Same thing.   I'm a secretary and of course sit a lot.   I have a lot of trouble walking when I get up.   It gets better after I've walked a while.   Also if I'm on the floor I have to drag myself until I can get into a standing position and then I have difficultly walking.     I do have back problems and have started going to a chiropractor but that hasn't helped this situation.   I also had PMR and was on steroids for 3 years.

[lianneg19]

I started gettin pain after a uti infection,but I'm in so horiffic pain with my left hip the pain is not only in my hip but groin too,can't sit down for a long time or the pain gets worse can't bend down or I struggle to get bk up I also can't lay down or I can't get up the same as when sitting seen doctor he gave me codeine but they just make u sleepy pain is always there it never goes a someone give me some answers what it could be

[warrenowies]

hi guys iam f@#$n 43 two years ago i had h pylori and i promise  you guys i never had any problems with legs o sorry leg muscles aching  so i link this too the bacterial  infection please do some more investigation on this because  i had nothing like this before just after this the muscle aches started  could this be the answer you guys looking for h pylori also cuase cholestorol  and muscle weakness  so check this URL Out ( http://www.mygutsy.com/is-h-pylori-the-cause-of-allergies-brain-fog-hypothyroid-autoimmune-disorders-adrenal-fatigue/ ) please check it out

[linCH7722]

You shall have a good rest, a good mood and do proper exercise--the less the better--as soon as you feel it's good enough and comfortable. I major in Biology Science and may it's useful to tell you that, our body have a balance, not too much is ok. “Stretching helps to flush out any lactic acid that has built up duringyour walk, which will allay any delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).”

[Paxiled]

Just so you know how to use this site, check the dates of posts.  This one is 15 years old, so here's hoping the poster has solved the problem by now.  But just to say, there is no scientific evidence that stretching does anything other than make us feel better temporarily.  That's a good thing, but it doesn't in fact flush out lactic acid.  For most people, this happens due to nutrients we get in our food or perhaps supplements.  It is a natural process that the body takes care of whether one stretches or not if the body is working properly and the person isn't overdoing it.  Of course, as we age, it does get harder.  A better way to deal with that is to warm up first but if all you're doing is walking, that is a warm up exercise and so there's not really a lot of reason to warm up.  It feels great to stretch, so not saying don't do it, but it's hard to find any scientific research that shows it actually helps much with anything other than keeping us loose and relaxed and that's a good thing all by itself but won't prevent injury or heal one.  Peace.

[peteaguilera]

I do not have an answer but I have a problem similar.  My situation is that I am 48 yrs old, 6 feet, 260 lbs and work at a desk.  I recently, unfortunately, acquired a painful hip problem.  The problem is that when I am sitting for a long time and go to get up my left front hip has an excruciating pain and it feels like my leg is a stilt and it is going to give out. When I sit this area feels warm.

[XXOOCurious]

Resistance bands did the trick for me!  It was so annoying that after sitting for more than 20 minutes, I would have to wait 10-15 seconds after standing for the pain in my hip area to subside enough to be able to start walking.  I was searching for a cure on this site and appreciated all of the advice.  I finally found my cure through a really good physical therapist.  My PT first had me lie on my side with a knotted resistance band at my knees and open & close my knees (I think this might be called clam shells).  I did this daily, slowing increasing the reps.  After two weeks, my PT also had me move the resistance band down to my ankles and lift my whole leg.  After about the 3 weeks, the pain was entirely gone.  It’s now been about 18 months that I have been pain free so I wanted to share this in case it might help others.  

[franniemac]

I am 43 and just recently started having problems with stiffness in my hips. It started a couple weeks ago, about a week after I overdid it when walking. The walk ended with a very long steep hill and I really felt it in the hip area, but it didn’t seem to be a problem at the time. When my hips started getting stiff a week later I had a bad cold/flu so there may have been some inflammation. The stiffness gradually got worse until I was having trouble standing up after sitting cross legged on floor (which I do frequently while teaching preschool classes, and has never been an issue before). I would have to get up slowly and at the worst of it I almost felt a little unsteady. That’s when I searched the internet and found this thread. It’s also when I remembered a consultation with a personal trainer (who has a kinesiology degree) about 6 months ago. She observed from my lunges that the muscles in my hip/pelvic area were tight, and recommended that I use a rubber ball to release the tension in the muscles by applying pressure at 2 specific points. The first one is near the top of the hip, an inch or 2 around to the back and also down a bit. To find the second imagine a diagonal line from there through the buttock and it’s in the centre. Place a rubber ball (you can buy therapy balls for this purpose, but the trainer recommended a lacrosse ball, much less expensive) between the hip and the wall, lean gently into it and roll the ball around until you find the spot. You’ll know when you find it because other spots will feel like a good massage, and a pressure point will feel like “OMG what is that!?” Hold gentle pressure on the spot for anywhere between 10 sec and a few minutes, then move to the other spot. Repeat on other side. This is working for me. I have to repeat a few times a day, whenever I feel the stiffness is back, but after just 10 sec on each spot, my hips feel normal again.

[marciabeth]

AMEN AND AMEN!!!  I don't know if I feel worse or better after reading all the comments -- I certainly feel for YOU and YOUR PAIN -- and I don't feel so very alone anymore!  I am 64 years old, female, never smoked, never drank alcohol, 2 live normal healthy births of children -- I DO DRINK CARBONATED DRINKS -- Both Sugared and Diet!  Lots of it!!  I crave the carbonation so much that I will settle for Seltzer.  How about any of you?  Is Carbonization an issue with anyone?  Aspertame???  Sugar???  Gluten/Wheat???Carbonated Pop is the only thing I have ever done in excess and I am wondering if I have thrown the chemical balance of my body off by doing so.  I also had Stem Cell Replacement in my right hip joint 9 weeks ago to help with the pain -- I feel like a "half-baked" cake that isn't ready to walk without the walker or cane just yet -- but, I have HOPE that the expensive procedure was helpful!  I'll let you know!  I have been Hypothyroid for at least 38 years -- taking Synthroid and sometimes Levothyroxin (generic) -- anybody out there taking Synthroid/Levothyroxin??  Could that be a factor?  I'm just like you -- more questions than answers!  My next question is:  How am I going to stand up from this computer and take two steps to the walker to go back to the bedroom and go to sleep for the night???  I hope you can get some rest, too ... Bless all of you in your suffering!!

[EveryKnee]

Wow, it’s so funny you asked that!  My hip pain has been getting worse and worse for 3 years. About 2 years ago, I quit drinking, but I replaced it with a craving for sparkling water. Could the carbonization have something to do with the almost unbearable increase in pain and tightness??

[franniemac]

My hip stiffness went away completely over the course of the Covid lockdowns when my preschool classes were cancelled. I think sitting cross-legged on the floor, getting up and down for more active songs, was increasing the tendency for stiffness in that area. I'm back to teaching, but with fewer classes and the problem has not returned.

[curedafter6years]

Have you tried a chiropractor?  I had this for six years progressive, finally went to chiropractor and had ex ray, it was the last three bones of my spine causing the pain. Immediately after one session the pain was diminished on standing, after three more, no more pain, still muscle weakness but not pain.

[Fatherped]

63 woman over wieght legs and feet sore even when sitting down why please

[dadmando]

I have similar symptoms -- hip pain, stiffness, increasing difficulty standing after sitting, with a sensation that I must stand on tip toes with my good leg and let the other dangle so as to allow gravity to stretch and expand the space within the ball/socket area of my afflicted left hip. It has been getting steadily worse week by week. I had been previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the same hip, but imaging continues to show a decent amount of cartilage remaining. This seems to be more soft tissue related, it is hard to say. Many have posted similar symptoms and a few have posted some remedies, technical descriptions of problem etc. I would encourage anyone who has posted and has since found relief or improvement to please re-post the details of your progress. Thank you!

[sunshinebluesky]

What type of doctor or guru helped you?

[FoxTail789]

So about a few weeks ago I've been getting this horrible aching pain in my upper leg joint. The pain also continues down into my ankle. When I sit down and try standing up its when the pain is the worst. The pain can be to the point where I can't move. Ive also been having dull aches in my back. Can anyone tell me what this is? I'm 21 so I'm finding it hard to believe it's something to series but you never know.

[Rocky1897]

Did you find out what the issue was? I'm 21 as well and experiencing the same thing. The pain also continues while sleeping though not as bad, it still makes getting a good nights sleep difficult and need to get it figured out ASAP.

[Torylovescats]

Try seeing a massage therapist! There are many things that can cause hip pain...if structural defects and osteoarthritis (and other inflammatory arthritides) are ruled out by your doctor then it could be a torqued sacrum, up slipped sacroiliac joint, inflared or outflared ilium, greater trochanter bursitis, iliopsoas contracture, or even referred pain from your low back. The most common overlooked cause is iliopsoas contracture! This muscle attaches to your low back and comes forward through your abdomen in front of your hip to attach to the top front of your femur. It is the prime muscle for hip flexion so when you have been seated for a while it will get tight and make straightening out your legs when you stand up difficult and painful. A massage therapist can assess your hips and the muscles around your hips so you can get some answers! They can treat all of the above mentioned culprits of hip pain. Well I don't know how competent massage therapists are in other places in the world but they are definitely capable in Ontario and British Columbia at least.

[jstuberoni]

I am 58 and suffering the same symptoms described above. I have seen a Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Neurologist. I have had an MRI of my spine, and brain. I have had an EMG. I have had a Brain Scan and a Bone Scan and an EEG. I have had X-rays. The only thing I have been told is I have some Arthritis in the hip joints (some mushrooming of the ball joint in my Hip). I can't sit for too long because getting up causes severe pain and takes some amount of time before I can put weight on my left leg. When I drive I have to stop after 20 to 30 minutes to stand because of the discomfort in my left hip and leg. The lower I sit and the longer I sit the worse it is getting up.

[Sweetpea1803]

I'm having all the same medical issues as the 49 ur old. You gave her a list of things it could possibly be. However what is illiopsoas contracture?

[Nikkibutt]

I have this same issue that started in June, when I asked my new doctor he said it was caused at the base of the iliac (?) bone?. Of the skeleton in your butt, there evidently is fluid around them, he didn't,t really have an answer other than Advil.. Said there were shots I could get, but yeah can't sit for long periods of time, feels like the bone is coming through the butt.. Takes a minute after I stand ,, before I can walk..... Getting worse

[Tipper92]

All of your symptoms sound like Ankylosing spondylitis. Google it. I just found out I have this and I have had all of the symptoms you all mention.

[HainesGirl]

Hi,

Interesting forum.  I am 59 years old.  Had left hip replaced October 15, 2014 when I was 57.  It was due to arthritis.  I currently moved to a place with all hardwood flooring.  I had no problem at my old home with carpeting and linoleum flooring.  Now, everyday it hurts when I get up from sitting and try to walk.  I have to get myself going, then I am pretty much okay.  I do the physical therapy exercises I learned from my hip replacement therapy when this becomes a huge problem.  It does help.  I will do biking, backward walking on the treadmill and the elliptical occasionally during the week at Snap Fitness.  It helps.  I went through my change of life at 50.  I do have arthritis in the other hip as well and that will need to be replaced someday.  But, the hardwood flooring and tile flooring I believe is what is currently  making this condition feel much worse than it really is.  I do wear my orthodics with my slippers in this new place.  It does help.  But, maybe vitamins and supplement would also assist?  I don't know, but I don't like it.  I have never felt my age until now.  Anyone else on this forum have hardwood flooring that is over 50?

[Priscatk]

I'm 35 years old, who had a surgery on my one leg(9 screws and 2 plates) about 3 years ago. I never had any problem until may be about 6 months ago. My lower limb hurts so bad when I stand up after sitting down for awhile, I don't feel any pain while sitting down. I keep telling myself, why am I feeling like I'm 90 on my mid 30's!? I don't take any prescription and very healthy to be feeling like this. Just like everyone above, it's so embarrassing to be in a public and having trouble to walk after getting up.

[Jstansel]

This is truly unbelievable that so many people are having the exact same symptoms and that there is not one physician that I have heard yet to figure out what is happening?  WOW!!!  I have exactly what you are talking about.  Have seen my mother over the years have the same issues along with numerous back surgeries that did not help.  I refuse to have surgery and also believe in vitamins, supplements, and physical therapy or anything non-evasive.  Thank you so much regarding the suggestion of vitamins.  I will be getting them ASAP!  If this works, I will be posting on this site to let everyone know.  THANK YOU!!!  Any suggestion is worth looking into.

[SedonaLadyDi]

Hi, I am new to this forum.  My pain in my legs sounds like most of you, but..no pain in bed or walking.  Just trying to get off toilet, or up out of a chair or out of a car..legs are so sore and achy..feels like I just finished a marathon..since I have done TWO marathons,..I know what that achy leg pain feels like.  It is this same achy pain.  I have to "count to three" then swing up, or use hands.  Then the raising of my body..I practically shake trying to stand.  Once standing..no more pain.  Recently, went kayaking and could not get up out of the kayak and fell in the lake.  I am in late 50's..went to dr and she said my labs came out perfect.  I have been active all my life, and this is NOT imagined.  There is something clearly wrong..but there seems to be no answer to this?  

[Isithealthy]

I have this and my vitamin D is low.  I'm going to have to see if it gets better taking Vitamin D vitamins.  Thanks I totally forgot about that.  Thanks

[sprngz]

it's been about 6 weeks since you posted, how is it working out for you? i'm 50, i'm overweight but healthy, i do not take any prescriptions and prefer to keep it that way - so i'm liking your recommendations - the pain i experience is fairly recent, i have a desk job, i thought maybe my chair was too hard, but even when i sit on the sofa it happens when i stand, my right leg is "difficult" to operate from the hip/thigh area, i have to kind of use lower leg control to keep it going and i experience a rather localized groin pain as well, only when i stand  - after a minute or two of movement all pain goes away

[curvyflower1966]

Same symptoms as everyone else excruciating pain when getting out of bed in my legs and back. From sitting to standing it takes a while to straighten up and walk. My orthopedic specialist doesn't know what it can be, my regular physician blames it on my weight, my rematologist blames it on my weight, my physiatrist orders an MRI of my lumbar spine, I hope they find something because I have been a voluptuous woman my whole life and I have never experienced pain like this, it has gotten in the way of my ability to live life, I want my life back!!!

[Didan44]

Wow! So many people with same problem.  I have had problem straightening after sitting for about a year, getting progressively worse.  MRI and X-rays show no significant problems.  Specialist suggested leg brace but as this only helps when walking and I have no pain then it just makes it even more difficult to stand.  Physio suggested hips rather than knees.  At the moment I am managing it by bending knees and hips until I touch the floor and holding this for a few seconds.  No pain killer seems to help. Recently even hurts whilst sitting at times.  No pain in the mornings or after reclining with legs up.

[DeidraCalifornia]

I'm 52 and researched the pain in my legs and upper arms when I would get up from sitting, was horrible like arthritis, then it would disappear when I started walking etc.., I found that the combination of B1,B 6, B12, and Alpha Lipoic acid are for the nerves (research Neuropathy symptoms), found the supplement in sprouts "nerve fix", but there are other vitamin stores you can check, well its only been a week, (said it would take 2-3 wks to see a difference) and I was up off my desk chair at work several times, and just noticed "no pain"? I love it. For now, its working, I'm very happy, I have energy and love that I didn't turn to surgery or drugs, yes they
are vitamins, but the pain at night has vanished as well.
Deidra in California.

[Barbinatl]

Hi Deidra, I'm 54 and have been having this problem of pain when getting up from a sitting position for almost a year now. I'm happy to see I am not alone with this issue and on this quest to figure out what the heck is going on along with a solution to cure it. I see you wrote this in 2015. I just found this thread and I'm wondering how these vitamins have been doing for you? Are they still working? I hope so, I'm planning on giving it a try.

[rolands360]

Please let me know if this remedy of vitamins worked as well. My pain started about 4-5 months ago and getting worse. When sitting I found some relief by adjusting my sitting position higher to half standing.

[degran]

I have been in great health. My Dr commented on my physical in March that she hasn't seen me since my last physical a year ago. For some reason I let her talk me into getting the pneumonia shot. Then got it in a few days. What a hard one that was been back at least twice since then. Now my legs are week and hurt when I first get up from sitting. No pain while in bed or just sitting but when I get down on the floor legs will not get me up have to use som kind of assistance. Walked over five miles thanksgiving now afraid to try it age on but don't hurt when I walk. Anyone else had or have this problem I'm 76.

[degran]

I have been in great health. My Dr commented on my physical in March that she hasn't seen me since my last physical a year ago. For some reason I let her talk me into getting the pneumonia shot. Then got it in a few days. What a hard one that was been back at least twice since then. Now my legs are week and hurt when I first get up from sitting. No pain while in bed or just sitting but when I get down on the floor legs will not get me up have to use som kind of assistance. Walked over five miles thanksgiving now afraid to try it age on but don't hurt when I walk. Anyone else had or have this problem I'm 76.

[najata]

I have the same problem , when I first get up from a seated position, I have to wait before I start walking. I cannot lay on my sides becasue my thighs hurt so bad, my legs burn and my feet are swollen. When walking  my legs at times give out. I am searching for some answers. I had a x-ray a month ago and nothing showed up. I am going back tothe doctor for more test. I wish I knew what is going on

[Hulme]

It doesn't sound like anyone knows what the cause or solution is. My pain has been increasing over the past year. I am 61 ,work out daily etc. but now it's painful to do most workouts; every type of exercise makes me sore whether it's yoga, elliptical,weights,running,step. I can hardly get up from a seated position, get up from the toilet etc. I do take vitamin D3, cholesterol okay,taking DHA. I get temporary relief from NSAIDs, massage, but still in so much pain! Who should I go see for help? Don't want to live on painkillers. Know I have arthritis in feet and knees.