Many habits come and go, but you might find one particularly persistent: shaking your leg every time you sit. Sometimes you might bounce freely on the knee. Other times, it’s your foot and ankle that do most of the rapid tapping.
At coffee shops, on dates, while riding the subway, and during work calls, this fidgeting may be so constant that you rarely notice it until a friend or partner places a steady hand on your leg to calm the tapping. You may notice that other members of your family are doing this as well. So why do you unconsciously shake your legs? And is there anything that can be done to reduce it?
What causes leg bounce?
Several factors can explain why we end up bouncing our legs without thinking about it. Getting to the source may be the key to calming the tremor.
Stress and anxiety
“In fact, doctors encourage exercise because it regulates anxiety and mood. [and] Shaking your legs is, in some sense, a form of exercise,” says Cheryl Collins, MD, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst based in Jackson, Wyoming. “One way to think about it is as a mini HIIT. [high-intensity interval training].”
Serenity Serseción, PhD, a psychologist based in San Jose, California, suggests that moving “has a similar, but lesser, effect than exercising when that is not possible, such as in a work situation.”
An attempt to concentrate
That said, Dr. Collins explains that this same effect may explain the increased number of leg tremors when you’re sitting at a desk. The stimulus can help calm agitated or overactive parts of the brain and make it easier to concentrate, especially when it is a “negative stimulus” such as boredom or distraction.
Too much caffeine
A need for physical liberation
Whether it’s an injury, fatigue or simply being too busy, anything can be an obstacle to regular physical activity. However, this can lead to a whole lot of pent-up energy.
Without physical activity, this energy has nowhere to go. Patrick Porter, PhD, neuropsychology researcher and founder of BrainTap, explains that leg bouncing likely serves as a “subconscious means of physical release.”
When to See a Doctor About Leg Bouncing
Not all leg tremors are equal. “It is essential to distinguish between simple leg tremors or fidgeting – a sign of nervousness, stress or boredom – and restless legs syndrome, a recognized neurological disorder characterized by a strong and often irresistible urge to move the legs,” says Dr. Porter. “If discomfort or pain accompanies leg tremors, seek the advice of a healthcare professional. »
Do you need to do anything about leg tremors?
Bouncing or shaking your legs poses no real health problem, but you may find that it stresses you or others or affects communication.
Porter acknowledges that “leg tremors may be perceived as a sign of nervousness or impatience by others, which can lead to communication problems or misunderstandings in social or professional situations,” he says. “In quiet or shared spaces, this repetitive movement can distract or annoy others. »
There is no apparent danger from leg tremor (as long as pain does not accompany it), and movement can often provide relief. But it’s sometimes distracting, can hurt your productivity, and cause people around you to feel restless or agitated.
If this bothers you, Porter suggests “recognizing when you shake your leg and understanding the triggers” to help you manage the habit. It recommends the following:
- Exercise regularly
- Limit caffeine consumption
- Adopt healthy sleep habits
- Change posture
- Use stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga
- Discussing the underlying causes of anxiety with a mental health professional
- Replace the habit with another movement-based behavior
Takeaways
- Leg bouncing can often be related to anxiety, stress, or a build-up of physical energy and may serve a similar purpose to seated exercise.
- Although considered a coping mechanism, excessive leg tremors associated with pain or significant disruption to daily life may mean you would benefit from speaking to a healthcare professional.
- Reducing caffeine intake, exercising regularly, and engaging in relaxation practices like meditation can help manage the habit.
- If leg bouncing begins to affect your social or professional interactions, identify your possible triggers and consider having open conversations for better management.
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