Leg Shaking Could Be a Warning Sign—Here’s What It Means for Your Health

Involuntary muscle contractions cause leg shaking, also commonly known as leg bouncing, jiggling, or fidgeting.
Though the movement is often unconscious, there are several physiologic and psychological reasons for it.

Shaking of the legs helps to burn calories without exertion as it is an example of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT).
Studies have established that fidgeting, of which leg shaking is a component, can augment caloric cost for the entire day by 350.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates motivation, attention, and movement, has been linked with shaking of legs.
To boost dopamine release and stay awake, individuals with ADHD often shake their legs.
Anxiety and Stress Response: Have you ever found yourself trembling before a test or during a tense meeting?
This is because the stress hormone cortisol causes the "fight or flight" response, which includes involuntary movements.
It serves as a coping strategy for handling anxious energy.

Leg movement that never stops may indicate inner restlessness, which is frequently linked to sadness.
Pacing, fidgeting, and leg shaking are examples of psychomotor agitation that can occur in people going through depressive episodes.

Because of dopamine oscillations that make it difficult to remain motionless, people with ADHD frequently shake their legs.
Fidgeting helps them improve concentration and focus, which is why many children and adults with ADHD shake their legs while studying or working.
Annoying Individuals in Social Settings
Leg shaking may irritate or disturb others when you're in shared spaces such as workplaces or schools.
At work, it may present oneself as impatience, nervousness, or lack of confidence.
With time, chronic leg shaking may cause joint strain, knee aching, and muscular fatigue.
If overdone, it can result in discomfort and poor posture.

Leg shaking is normal from time to time, but intense or uncontrollable movements can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
A constant urge to move the legs, especially at night, is a symptom of RLS, a neurological disorder.
It is linked with nerve dysfunction, iron deficiency, and dopamine imbalance.
Common signs and symptoms are creeping, tingling, or leg pain at rest.
An early symptom of Parkinson's disease, which disables coordination and movement, could be uncontrollably shaking legs.
One significant sign is tremors in either or both legs while resting.

Leg shaking is usually just a harmless habit, a means for your body to release stress, burn extra energy, or stay alert. However, in certain instances, it might be an indication of a more serious health problem. It's important to take notice if your leg shaking interferes with your everyday activities or is severe or excruciating.
The next time you find yourself bouncing your leg beneath the table, consider whether it's a habit or if your body is attempting to communicate with you.

Explore latest trends in health and fitness, life hacks, travel and relationship on Times life