ASK THE EXPERT
Q
IS it bad to sit with your legs crossed at your desk all day?
A
“THERE is a lot of conflicting information available on whether sitting with your legs crossed for long periods can cause health problems like varicose veins or not,” says Dr Alexandra Oliver, associate clinical director at Bupa UK (bupa.co.uk).
“Whilst there has been a suggested link between standing or sitting for long periods and varicose veins there is, as yet, no definite evidence for this.”
Dr Oliver says that the link is related to varicose veins occurring where there is an increase in the pressure of veins in the leg – like when you have one leg resting on the other, restricting blood flow.
“This can happen if someone sits or stands for a long period of time, because your veins have valves to keep the blood from flowing backwards. Sitting or standing can cause the blood to pool within the veins of the leg, which can lead to an increase in the pressure of the leg veins. In turn, this could lead to varicose veins forming,” she says.
That being said, your leg crossing might not be the definitive reason for the appearance of enlarged veins on your legs. Dr Oliver says that there are other known risk factors which can cause them, such as being female, getting older, being overweight, having a family history of varicose veins, and being pregnant.
Veins aside, other people blame sitting crossed-legged for taking its toll on their back too, but is it all just a myth? “Back pain can be common for those who sit down all day,” says Dr Oliver. “This can be linked to people not having the appropriate work station. In order to compensate, you might adjust your positioning.
“Whether you cross your legs or not, if you are sitting for long periods of time then it is recommended to get up for a couple of minutes every 20 to 30 minutes too,” says Dr Oliver. “Having shorter, frequent breaks is more beneficial for your back.”
So should you be mindful of crossing your legs at your desk? “Yes,” says Dr Oliver. “If you’re sitting down, try not to cross your legs, as this can restrict your blood flow and circulation.”
If you’re worried about the impact that sitting at your desk each day is havin, speak to your employer about a health assessment.