Leg Shaking: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Strategies

Why Do People Experience Leg Shaking? Causes And Treatments

Many people sometimes find themselves unconsciously moving or shaking their legs while sitting in a chair or at a desk or table. This movement may be nothing more than a mindless habit, but sometimes it can be a sign of something more. There are many potential causes of leg shaking, from boredom to anxiety to neurological conditions. If you notice you are shaking your legs a lot, it may be important to pay attention to certain aspects of your leg shaking – and if you want to stop shaking your legs so much, there are strategies you can use to decrease your leg movements.

Understanding Leg Shaking Behaviors

Some of the causes of leg shaking are nothing to worry about, while others may require the care of a healthcare professional. Your legs may be shaking for one of the following reasons:

• Boredom. Boredom can be your body’s way of telling you that you aren’t receiving enough stimulation. Bouncing or shaking your legs can provide just enough stimulus to distract you from whatever boring situation you find yourself in and relieve some of the tension of sitting still.
• Concentration. Some people may unconsciously shake their legs while concentrating or trying to take in information while studying, writing, or working at a computer.

It’s not completely clear why some people use repetitive movements when in a state of concentration, though some believe that the movement may help restless parts of the brain by giving them enough stimulus to keep from interrupting the concentrated state of mind. Research suggests that children with ADHD use repetitive motions in this manner.

• Nervous energy and anxiety. If you feel nervous about a meeting but need to appear composed and confident, your legs might shake as an outlet for your nervous energy, while the rest of your body appears professionally poised. Leg shaking can often be interpreted as an acceptable expression of anxiety. Screaming or melting down is usually socially unacceptable in a hospital waiting room, business meeting, or courtroom, but quietly moving your legs is not, thus making it a more subtle way to release anxiety.

It’s not entirely understood why repetitive movements like leg shaking help in these situations, but experts believe that people may shake their legs unintentionally as a way of balancing emotions, especially for people who happen to be neurodivergent. Some research suggests that adults with autism use repetitive motion to help manage uncertainty and anxiety in the same way.

When Leg Shaking May Indicate Medical Concerns

In some cases, repetitive leg movements can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Examples of such conditions include:

• Nerve or brain damage
• Thyroid issues
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS), in which a person feels an uncontrollable urge to move their legs to alleviate crawling, itching, aching, or other unpleasant feelings
• Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, nervous system disorders that impair a person’s ability to consciously control their limbs and extremities and can cause unmanageable tremors or tics

If shaking your legs is an uncontrollable habit interfering with your quality of life, it may be time to check in with your doctor or healthcare provider. Some medical reasons for leg shaking are quite serious and related to brain function, so seeking the correct treatment is critical.

Warning Signs

If you have any of the below additional symptoms, seek help from a healthcare provider immediately:

• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Leg wounds
• Unexplained weight loss
• Muscle spasms
• Unusual tingling sensations
• Permanent trembling
• Loss of key bodily functions

These symptoms could indicate a medical emergency.

Strategies to Reduce Leg Shaking

If an underlying medical condition isn’t the cause of your leg shaking, you can try a few different techniques to stop the unwanted movement.

Try Alternative Forms of Stimulation

If you routinely find yourself moving your legs because you’re bored, try incorporating new stimuli:

• Take notes
• Doodle on a sheet of paper
• Chew gum
• Suck on a mint
• Play with a small fidget toy
• Twiddle your thumbs

Identify and Address Emotional Triggers

If you shake your legs when you’re anxious, reflect on what may be causing your anxiety. Sometimes, identifying your triggers can be difficult and time-consuming. Working with a licensed clinical social worker through telehealth services can provide the support and guidance you need to understand and manage these emotions effectively.

Prioritize Sleep Quality

If you’re not sleeping enough, your body will naturally have less energy and motivation, leading to frustration, anxiety, and leg shaking. Try going to bed an hour or two earlier and see how you feel. More sleep could stop your trembling legs.

Incorporate Mindfulness Practices

Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help prevent repetitive movements by reducing stress and anxiety. Consider a brief 20-minute session to start off your day.

Professional Support Through Telehealth Therapy

If your tremors seem to be caused by anxiety or another mental health concern, consider talking to a licensed clinical social worker. The trained, licensed professionals at ReachLink can help you address your concerns and develop a plan to manage your anxiety and other emotions that may impact your leg shaking.

Telehealth therapy through ReachLink offers numerous benefits. If you’re experiencing leg shaking due to anxiety, the thought of finding a qualified therapist on your own and then meeting face-to-face may be overwhelming. With virtual therapy, you can quickly connect with a licensed clinical social worker and begin sessions from the comfort of home.

Research supports the effectiveness of online therapy, with one study demonstrating that people who participated in online counseling experienced a significant improvement in depression and anxiety scores after 12 weeks, with results sustained for at least six months.

Takeaway

You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about something you can’t control. If anxiety contributes to your leg shaking, working with a licensed clinical social worker through telehealth services can help you get to the root of the problem and develop effective coping strategies. ReachLink’s secure, HIPAA-compliant platform makes it easy to connect with qualified professionals who can provide evidence-based support for anxiety management and other mental health concerns.