Crossing Your Legs: The Truths And Myths Revealed

Publish Date: Friday, 29 April 2016, 1:56PM

There's mixed rumours constantly circulating about whether crossing your legs is good for you! But now, we can happily clear these rumours up:

Crossing Your Legs Can Cause Blood Clots

Truth! Studies have shown that it is possible for leg-crossing to cut off blood flow, potentially leading to a blood clot.

Crossing Your Legs Can Damage The Nerves In Your Feet

Truth! The nerves that control leg and foot function can actually be damaged from frequently keeping your legs crossed.

Crossing Your Legs Can Cause Varicose Veins

Myth! In spite of all of the claims that crossing your legs can cause varicose veins, the evidence is inconclusive at best. Most doctors believe it is not a factor.

Crossing Your Legs Can Be Bad For Your Posture

Myth! While bad posture can occur while sitting cross-legged, leading to painful side effects, the position of your legs is not actually causing the bad posture.

Crossing Your Legs Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

Truth! While crossing your legs won’t necessarily increase your long-term blood pressure, it can cause it to increase in the short term.

Crossing Your Legs Can Create Excess Hip Joint Pressure

Myth! Contrary to some claims, leg-crossing is not actually increasing hip joint pressure, but rather strengthening the pelvis.

Crossing Your Legs Can Cause Back And Neck Pain

Truth! Crossing your legs can, indeed, have negative effects on your back and neck.

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