Warning: Crossing your legs is hazardous to your health

About two and a half weeks ago when I was showering I noticed my right leg was going numb down the outside and the top of my foot was numb. I noticed it when I was scrubbing them, but didn't notice it unless I touched it. I thought it was how I was standing or something. The next day I was shaving and noticed the same thing. After about a week of this, I went to the Dr. She ran bloodwork on me and said it could be from a vitamin deficiency, or could be shingles breaking out or could be MS. The bloodwork came back normal so she might suggest neurological testing. I was doing a search last night while I was working and came up with Common peroneal nerve dysfunction which is a disorder caused by damage to the peroneal nerve, characterized by loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg. Alternative Names: Neuropathy - common peroneal nerve; Peroneal nerve injury; Peroneal nerve palsy Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The peroneal nerve is a branching of the sciatic nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a type of peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain or spinal cord). This condition can affect people of any age. Common causes of damage to the peroneal nerve include the following: Trauma or injury to the knee Fracture of the fibula (a bone of the lower leg) Use of a tight plaster cast (or other long-term constriction) of the lower leg Habitual leg crossing Regularly wearing high boots Pressure to the knee from positions during deep sleep or coma Injury during knee surgery. Another risk is being extremely thin or emaciated (for example, from anorexia nervosa ). Systemic conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or polyarteritis nodosa can also cause damage to the common peroneal nerve. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy) is an inherited disorder that affects all nerves, with peroneal nerve dysfunction apparent early in the disorder. Also, toxic exposure to chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride or styrene (made during the production of polystyrene) may lead to peroneal and other nerve damage. Since having my WLS and losing over 100 lbs am CONSTANTLY crossing my legs. Even in the car when I am a passenger. I wonder if this is what is causing my problem. I spoke with someone at the dr's office and asked them to write down this name for my dr to look into it when she comes in on Monday so we can decide what, if anything, to do next. She woman kind of laughed at me (and my self-diagnosis) and said to work on not crossing my legs over the weekend. It isn't affecting my walking at all. I just notice it in the shower and when I cross my legs. The numbness begins about where my calf hits my opposite knee. Weird, huh? Anyone else noticing anything like this? Hugs, Tabby

Hi Tabby, It is has been so long since I have seen you post and a long time since I have posted. I guess everyone, including me is very busy.. Nice to chat with you again.. So sorry of the things they have came up with you.. I cross my legs all the time. even now as I sit here I have my legs crossed.. It is just so comfortable now. I do it ALL the time.. I have no noticed any numbness though. That is really weird.. Please keep me posted with what they say.. And from now on, I will not cross my legs.. Just in case, you know.. Hope everything else is going good for you!! You look great!!! Love ya! Tiff

Tabby, Hmmm....interesting.... I haven't heard of this or had it happen to me, but it does make sense. I hope your doctor takes your idea seriously and checks into it. Please let us know how you are doing and what the final diagnosis is!! Susan

Tabby, I've noticed a bit more sciatic pain lately and I've wondered if it was related to crossing my legs...it seemed to me that it could be. I hope this gets better for you soon. Lisa

Tabby, Actually, due to my long history with sciatica, I am familiar with this. Could definitely be caused by the leg crossing; if you've never been able to cross them before, this is a new position to them, and your body just may not like it. My dr. actually warned me prior to surgery to be prepared, that sciatica flair ups are very common when you begin to lose a lot of weight, due to the weight shifting everything. She also mentioned Peroneal nerve issue. Very common, but highly treatable. Actually, when I saw her last week for my regular checkup, and told her about my fall at work, and my sciatica flair up, she said she was surprised it took this long to come out, yes, caused by my fall, but was glad it hadn't started up due to my drastic weight loss. Try Celebrex - it has worked wonders for me and my sciatic pain. Keep me posted and hope you feel better soon! Michelle

Neuorpathy was one of my major reasons for having this surgery. My diabetes which was under control was beginning to effect my legs. It is scarey. I don't know what to do about it, but I knwo it exists. i decided to stop the progression before I had any worse complications. Hugs, Aime

Tabby, I was diagnosed with MS several years ago after having a similar experience...when I got out of the shower, it felt like a spider was crawling up my leg or like there was a hair on my foot that I couldn't see or wipe away. Anyway...here's the reason for this post: don't use water that's too hot in the shower. Ho****er can play havoc with your nerves causing feelings of tingling or numbness. MS patients are cautioned about this but I have found it also affects a lot of people in a similar way. Keep us posted on what you find out. Love ya, Annette