We all have our own way of sitting and being comfortable, but just because we feel comfortable doesn’t mean it’s actually good for us. In fact, one of the more popular ways to sit, which is with crossed legs, can have a lot of negative effects on us, and we should seriously consider stopping it. It’s important to learn to sit up straight all the time — not only is it good for your whole body, but it also boosts your self-confidence.
We always try to look out for your health, so we’d like to show you 5 reasons why you should avoid crossing your legs.
1. It could provoke nerve palsy
When you sit with crossed legs for long periods of time, it may cause a condition called nerve palsy. During it, you become unable to lift your foot, it can cause numbness in the muscles, and you could even end up injuring your peroneal nerve.
2. It could cause high blood pressure
According to this study, crossing your legs at knee level significantly raises your blood pressure. It was also confirmed that there was no blood pressure spike when crossing the legs at the ankles, and fortunately for us, those blood spikes were only temporary. However, it’s advised to avoid crossing your legs if you’re a person with high blood pressure.
3. It could lead to bad posture
According to this study, sitting with your legs crossed for longer than 3 hours per day may cause shoulder and pelvic lateral tilts, and it may align the head further forward. It can also lead to a misalignment of your spine, and improper posture leads to pain and stiffness in the muscles.
4. It could cause pain in the joints
Crossing your legs is not just bad for your posture, but it can also cause pain in your joints. It could hurt your neck, pelvis, lower back, and your knees. And you should especially avoid crossing your legs if you already have knee pain.
5. It could induce ankle swelling during pregnancy
Avoid crossing your legs during pregnancy — it’s totally safe for the baby, but it could cause ankle swelling and leg cramps. If you experience any of these effects, try sitting with both feet on the floor or elevate them.
Are you someone who crosses their legs when they sit? Are you going to try to unlearn that habit now?
Source: Brightside