Q: Lately, whenever I sit with my legs crossed, I end up with painful muscle cramps in my lower legs. What’s going on?
A: Your cramps are likely from a lack of circulation, as crossing your legs compresses vessels and limits blood flow (and delivery of needed oxygen) to your muscles.
If you do get a cramp, try a 5-minute leg massage. Portuguese researchers say the simple exercise can ease pain by improving circulation. To do: Using an oil or lotion, apply light pressure with your palms on both sides of your knee and push your calf down toward your ankle. Then start at your ankle, pulling your hands upward to your knee; continue alternating directions for 5 minutes.
To prevent leg cramps going forward, sit with your legs uncrossed as much as possible. You can also add garlic to your diet. It contains allicin, a compound that British scientists say improves circulation within a week. But if the cramps persist, see your doctor to rule out other causes.
Michelle Thompson, MD, is a functional medicine physician and founder of Epoche Medical in Coral Springs, Florida. Board-certified in geriatrics, her goal is to help patients of all ages create a lifelong journey of wellness and provide the best options for healing. To ask her a question, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com.
This article first appeared in First for Women in September 2023.
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