While we’ve been socialized to believe that crossing your legs is polite and/or modest (even for men), this habit can have disastrous effects on your body. If you’re struggling with lower body pain in the feet, hips, or back, it could be the result of years of crossing your legs. This includes crossing at the feet as well as the classic seated leg cross about the knees. Now, let’s get into why this positioning can cause problems.

Crossing Legs Reduces Blood Flow

Whether your crossing your legs across the knee or at the ankles, it can effectively “clamp” the blood flow. Crossing at the knee is arguably worse for this, which is probably why we see people cross, uncross, and switch. You might notice that pins and needles feeling when in this position too long, which prompts you to switch legs – only to have it happen again. Over time, the tissues affected by lower blood flow begin to get aggravated.  As a result, you may experience tightness (especially in the hamstrings) and pain.

Even if you just cross your feet, this is still an issue. Ideally, both feet should be flat on the floor and your seat should be set at a height that takes pressure off the hamstrings. If your chair is too high, your feet will dangle – this not only places a great amount of pressure on your hamstrings, but the discomfort of dangling actually encourages people to cross at the ankles (try to notice this next time you sit at a desk, restaurant table, or bar).

Physical Habits Create Actual Structural Change – And It’s Not Always Good

When you think about the amount of time you sit or have the option to cross your legs, it’s probably a good amount of the day. You might sit at a desk all day and then spend some time on the couch in the evenings. If you habitually cross your legs or ankles, your body eventually adapts to this position – but not in a good way. The muscles in the lower body become unevenly stretched. There is more tension on one side than the other (especially if you favor one leg). The tension can actually shift the way your pelvis sits, tilting to one side or rotating more forward. One hip ends up higher than the other, which flows downstream into the legs and feet.

Many people don’t realize that their foot pain could be coming from their hips. If you cross your legs a lot, it’s certainly something to consider.

Improve Lower Body Pain With Proper Posture

As we mentioned above, the best way to avoid crossing legs is to have a proper desk set up. When your feet are comfortably on the floor, you often don’t have the same instinct to cross your legs. This is a habit you can break! Be aware of how you’re sitting during other times of the day like mealtimes, watching TV on the couch, or even laying in bed. To manage symptoms while making changes in your lifestyle, come in and see us. We can work on releasing tight areas that are pulling on the pelvis to get you back in balance. Schedule your appointment today!