Posture in Pregnancy
- purpose011194
- May 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Crossing Your Legs & Blood Pressure
It may seem like a harmless way to sit, but crossing your legs can actually increase your blood pressure. The reason why has to do with how the crossed position affects your veins.
When you sit with your legs crossed, the vessels in your leg are compressed. This prevents blood from flowing freely and causes it to pool in your leg. In order to get the blood flowing again, your heart has to work harder, which in turn raises your blood pressure.
Studies show that crossing your legs only temporarily raises blood pressure, but still, it’s something to keep in mind.
So, if you’re looking to keep your blood pressure in check, it’s best to avoid crossing your legs. Instead, try sitting with both feet on the ground or take a walk to get the blood flowing properly.
Nerve Damage from Crossing Your Legs
Nerve damage from crossing your legs is a very real possibility that you shouldn’t overlook. Crossing your legs too much over extended periods of time can lead to what is known as peroneal nerve palsy, which occurs when the legs are crossed and held in that position for too long. It can cause muscle weakness and even pain due to the pressure on the outside of your knee pressing against the nerve.
When this happens, it can cause numbness or tingling in your feet, making it difficult to move your legs or ankles. In some cases, it may even lead to a lack of balance and coordination due to weakness in the muscles around the ankle joint.
The best way to avoid this condition is by having good posture and avoiding crossing your legs for extended periods of time.
Sitting Cross-Legged & Effects on Posture
Sitting for long periods of time with your legs crossed at the knees puts your pelvis in a suboptimal rotation. This can cause pain in your lower back. It can also lead to a misaligned spine over time.
When you have poor posture, your body weight works against you, making your muscles constantly work overtime trying to stabilize your body. This causes muscle fatigue and stiffness.
Risk Factors That Make Leg Crossing Even More Detrimental
More than 30% of the US population is affected by vein disease or venous insufficiency. People with additional risk factors should definitely try to break the bad habit of crossing their legs and ankles. Genetics and aging both play significant roles in developing venous issues, so if you have relatives with spider or varicose veins, it’s more likely that you will get them as well. You are also considered at increased risk if you are:
A woman
Pregnant
A smoker
Hypertensive
Diabetic
Inactive
Overweight
In a job that requires prolonged sitting or standing
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
content is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comentários