Do you ever find yourself absent-mindedly crossing your legs while sitting down? It turns out that most people cross their right leg over their left, with some preferring the opposite or having no preference at all. But have you ever wondered if this common habit is actually bad for your health and posture?
Recent studies highlight some alarming facts such as misaligned hips, reduced blood flow to the limbs, and increased risk of blood clots. Crossing your legs at the knees seems to be worse than doing it at the ankles. This posture may lead to high blood pressure and damage to your blood vessels, which is why it’s recommended to keep your feet flat on the floor.
Sitting cross-legged for extended periods can cause significant long-term changes in your body. Your pelvis, spine, and shoulders are all impacted by this common sitting position that many of us assume without thought. As your muscles and bones adapt to the cross-legged position, your body can become misaligned, causing potential problems with your neck and head position. Meanwhile, your lower body may also be affected, with imbalances and poor posture causing strains and stresses.
As your gluteal muscles stretch for longer periods, they can become weaker, causing your pelvis to become misaligned. This misalignment can also cause scoliosis and other deformities. A more severe condition that may arise is greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which can become quite painful and affect the outer side of your hip and thigh. In addition, crossing your legs can pinch a nerve in your lower leg, resulting in foot drop where the whole of the foot hangs down. Although this issue typically lasts for a few minutes, it can cause weakness when trying to lift the little-toe side of the foot. Therefore, it’s best to be mindful of how long you’re crossing your legs to avoid any unexpected muscle or nerve issues.
The anatomy of men and women can actually affect their ability to sit cross-legged. It turns out that women have an advantage in this area, as their bodies are better equipped for this posture. Men, on the other hand, have a limited range of motion in their hips, which can make it more difficult for them to cross their legs comfortably.
So, if you regularly sit cross-legged, it’s time to start paying attention to the impact it could have on your body. While there are risks associated with leg-crossing, it’s important to note that many of these risks are amplified by our sedentary lifestyles and other health issues. So, instead of worrying too much about this one habit, focus on staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting as much as possible. It’s time to rethink your sitting habits and make some healthier choices. Together, these small changes can lead to big benefits for our bodies and minds.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Leg-crossing: incidence and inheritance
