Doctor explained why you shouldn't sit with "leg over leg"

The habit of sitting in a "cross-legged" position over time can cause serious harm to health and lead to a number of diseases. Doctor-therapist Maria Tolstova warned about this in a conversation with "Gazeta.Ru".

In particular, as the specialist explained, this leads to a change in the position of the spine axis in relation to the pelvic bones, which increases the load on the back muscles and can cause back pain, worsen scoliosis, deteriorate the condition of intervertebral discs, and cause the appearance and progression of intervertebral hernias and protrusions.

"During prolonged periods in the "cross-legged" position, venous blood flow in the legs worsens, blood stagnates, and blood supply to the lower extremities is disrupted. This leads to swelling, numbness, and pain in the lower limbs. All this can cause a number of diseases, such as varicose veins and thrombosis of the lower extremity veins," added Tolstova.

Furthermore, according to her, blood circulation and blood supply to the pelvic organs are disrupted, which in the future threatens the development of gynecological diseases in women and reduced reproductive function. At the same time, deterioration of blood supply to the pelvic organs in men can lead to reproductive disorders and significantly increase the risk of developing prostate diseases.

"Frequent and prolonged periods in the "cross-legged" position leads to increased arterial pressure, which in turn increases the load on the cardiovascular system, and, as a result, contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases," continued the therapist.

The traumatic load on the knee and hip joints increases several times. And with prolonged time in this position, damage to the peroneal nerve due to circulatory disorders is even possible. This can lead to feelings of tingling and numbness in the legs, as well as pain in the foot and weakness in the foot muscles.

To maintain health and avoid these problems, the doctor advises following a work and rest regimen. With sedentary work and prolonged periods at a desk or computer, one should take a short break every 15-30 minutes and perform minimal stretching exercises for the leg, back, and neck muscles. It is very important to organize a comfortable and effective workplace, adjust the height of the desk and chair, properly set up the computer on the desk, and adjust the degree of lighting on the desk surface and the room as a whole.

"It is recommended to perform a small set of exercises daily: stretching in the morning, relaxation in the evening; move more throughout the day, paying special attention to walks in the fresh air; promptly pay attention to minimal disruptions in the body and regularly visit specialist doctors for preventive purposes to prevent the development of possible diseases," added Tolstova.