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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Calves are tingling
Posted on: 04/26/2007
Question
I have an after-school job that requires me to squat down a lot to get stuff out of a low refrigerator. I've worked there for 10 months with no problems, but for the last couple days when I stand back up my calves have been stinging/tingling, like when you put tiger balm on. It only lasts like 20 seconds and it's not incredibly painful, but I'm worried there could be something wrong.
Answer
It is very unlikely anything is wrong. When one crouches down, there can be compression on the nerve that runs down the back of the leg, particularly behind the knees, and this can temporarily cause some tingling in the nerve. It is similar to sitting cross legged and having your foot or lower leg fall asleep, but a more mild version. It is harmless.