Leg falling asleep after sitting down for ~20 minutes. A problem?

April 17, 2013 4:44 PM

For the past 8 months or so, sometimes, I'll try to stand up from a seated position and I'll realize my entire leg has fallen asleep. I can still walk but it takes a bit for the blood to flow back in. I'm most commonly getting this symptom on my regular subway ride, during which I'm sitting on a firm surface for about 20-25 minutes. I'm in my late 20's. This never used to happen to me. Yes, you are not my doctor and maybe I should go to a doctor, so I'm merely asking -- is this anything to worry about? Thank you.
posted by demagogue to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

Do you have a big belly, by any chance?
posted by takoukla at 5:33 PM on April 17, 2013

Response by poster: Ha, I looked down to check. I think I am being fair when I say I don't. I have a BMI of about 25 and while I could certainly stand to lose some weight there's a lot of muscle in there too.
posted by demagogue at 5:37 PM on April 17, 2013

Do you keep your wallet in your back pocket? Sitting on your wallet could be impinging the nerve?
posted by PorcineWithMe at 12:34 AM on April 18, 2013