Never Cross Your Legs: 4 Important Reasons Why
Most women cross their legs – this is comfortable and prevents unwanted views under the skirt. But exactly this position is said to have unpleasant consequences for health.
Hardly any other sitting position is as popular with women as crossing your legs. It is comfortable and practical – and for men, the epitome of femininity. But in fact, crossing your legs can have negative effects on your health, as several studies have shown. Why we should untangle our legs better…
1. We get varicose veins
Whether genes, overweight, pregnancy or increasing age: there are many reasons for varicose veins. The crossing of the legs is also said to be a cause, as the veins in the legs are compressed. The consequence: blood vessels constrict, which in turn leads to swelling of the veins. Experts agree, however, that varicose veins are not caused by crossing the legs alone, but it can aggravate existing venous disorders.
2. The nerves are pinched off
Anyone who remains in a sitting position for too long can pinch off the inner calf nerve (nervus peroneus). It is located directly behind the knee and this causes the legs to fall asleep. In the worst case, it can even lead to so-called “peroneal paralysis”, as a result of which the lifting of the feet and toes no longer works. Nevertheless, the risk of paralysis is diminishing, because nobody stays in a position that is uncomfortable until the paralysis is over.
3. Crossing the legs leads to postural deformity
If we sit for more than three hours a day with our legs crossed, this promotes a bad posture or a crooked back. This is the result of a study. Furthermore, the permanent crossing of the legs can lead to an imbalance of the pelvis. This can result in damage to the ligaments and pain in the spine.
4. We suffer from high blood pressure
Several studies have shown that leg crossings can temporarily lead to high blood pressure. However, as soon as we untangle the legs again, the pressure drops rapidly. The reason: in this sitting position, the blood is pumped faster to the heart because – as already mentioned – important veins are squeezed. Here we still have to determine whether long-term damage can occur. Caution is generally advised for women who belong to the thrombosis risk group.
Conclusion
Crossing your legs can lead to various health problems. Women who have a higher risk of blood clots should better avoid this sitting position. In general, the following applies: Either way, sitting for too long is harmful to our organism. Don’t stay in one and the same position for too long – and make sure you get enough exercise in your everyday life.