Feeling Stiffness And Uncomfortable In Leg While Sitting Or Standing. What Should Be Done?

Posted on Thu, 8 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 Answered on

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My left leg feels stiff and uncomfortable (but not painful) when I stand after sitting for a while. It started about two weeks ago and does not seem to be subsiding or getting worse since then. I have diabetes, but my glucose readings have been fine (<120) and I have no trouble feeling sensation in my legs or feet. The stiffness affects my left leg only; my right leg is fine.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The feeling of stiffness on standing after sitting for a while is suggestive of an early osteoarthritic changes in your knee joint.
These are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Upon movement the stiffness gradually relives. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.
The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin , dycerin, etc and some life style modifications and physiotherapy.
Right now you can start taking Tablet Tylenol ( Acetaminophen) Double Strength after breakfast and after dinner. It is suggested to add calcium supplements 500mg each twice daily. This will take care of your mild symptoms in 3-5 days.
You can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than your knees.
Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief.
In severe cases intra articular injections of steroids and hyaluronic acid may be needed after consultation with your orthopaedician.
I also encourage you to consult an orthopedician for physical examination. A few blood tests, X-rays of the knee, CT / MRI scans of the knee will help us diagnose the condition and help us in choosing the best approach of treatment.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar