Why You Should Never Cross Your Legs - And How to Fix Them!

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Crossed legs are a common body posture that many of us adopt in our day-to-day lives. You can see people sitting with crossed legs in restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and almost any other public place. But even if it’s such an accepted practice, sitting with crossed legs for extended periods of time may not be a good idea after all. Let’s take a closer look at why you should never cross your legs – and how to fix them!

Varicose Veins

If you cross your legs for long periods of time, the blood flow in your legs will be restricted. This can cause your veins to swell, which can increase the likelihood of varicose veins forming. Varicose Veins are dilated, twisted veins that result from poor blood circulation. They are unsightly and painful, but they can also be dangerous. If you have varicose veins in your legs, they can become swollen, painful, itchy, and stiff. They can also break open, which can cause infection and/or problems with healing.

Skin Issues

Although skin issues may seem like just a cosmetic problem, they can be quite painful and annoying as well. Skin issues that come from crossing your legs are often referred to as "Venous Ulcers" and can be found on the inner thighs. They are usually caused by prolonged sitting with the legs crossed, which increases pressure on the veins in the legs and can cut off circulation to the skin. To prevent Venous Ulcers, it is recommended that you keep your legs uncrossed.

Muscles Tightness & Shortness

Researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, found that crossing your legs can weaken leg muscles by as much as 10%. Crossing your legs can also lead to short, tight muscles in your inner thighs, which can make you more prone to injury and leg pain. If you sit with your legs crossed for an extended period of time, it can be especially dangerous.

Sitting Position Problem

Sitting with crossed legs can also cause you to slouch, which can affect the way you breathe and your back position. Slouching and breathing improperly can lead to back pain, which can be a serious problem if you do it frequently. It may also put stress on your lower back and spine, which can cause long-term problems. Proper sitting posture can help you avoid these problems. The best way to sit with your legs crossed is to sit up straight and uncross your legs every few minutes. This will help you avoid the problems associated with sitting with crossed legs.

Conclusion

Crossing your legs can lead to serious health issues, like blood pooling and varicose veins. It can also cause you to slouch and put you at risk for back pain. If you have to sit with your legs crossed for a long period of time, it's important to sit up straight and uncross your legs every few minutes. If you're pregnant, you may want to avoid crossing your legs altogether, since it can lead to leg cramping.