Stiffness in thighs and legs

Hamstring tightness occurs when the muscles on the back of the thighs become shortened due to injury, sitting for long periods, muscle overuse, or a history of inactivity.

The hamstrings consist of three muscles—called the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris—that enable hip extension (moving your thigh backward) and knee flexion (bending your knee).

How to loosen tight muscles in legs

Hamstring tightness gets in the way of these functions and interferes with your ability to walk, climb stairs, do squats, and perform other leg movements. Certain exercises can help stretch tight hamstring muscles, strengthening them and reducing the risk of hamstring injuries.

What Causes Tight Hamstrings

Hamstring tightness is common, particularly in males whose pelvic structure can limit hip flexion and extension and lead to tightness.

Hamstring tightness is especially common in physically active people, especially athletes who participate in sports that require a lot of running or jumping.

However, it can affect people who do no physical activity.

muscles in legs tight

muscles in legs keep tightening