When trying to go about your business in the bathroom, did you ever notice that your leg or foot fell asleep? Below we will understand why your legs get numb and tingle in the toilet, as well as ways to prevent these annoying cramps.
Why do legs fall asleep in the bathroom?
This happens when we strain to push during a bowel movement, which increases the pressure within the abdomen and increases the pressure on the spine. This pressure can sometimes cause the spinal discs to move against the nerves in the spine, causing numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs and feet.
And you are more likely to lose sensation in your lower extremities when you practice poor posture. Sitting on the toilet in an awkward position can compress nerves or blood vessels, causing a tingling sensation. For example, it usually happens when you put your elbows on your knees to look at the phone.
Most people tend to hunch over during bowel movements, making it difficult for blood to flow to the nerves in the pelvis (these nerves also extend to the feet, which explains why someone may feel the tingling sensation even in the toes).
Also, this tingling problem gets worse if you stay in the bathroom for too long. So if you are struggling with constipation and your poop doesn't pass quickly, you may notice numbness in your lower body as you spend time on the toilet.
How to prevent leg cramps?
Although tingling in the bathroom is not something to worry about, there are ways to control sleepy legs when you are on the toilet. If you experience persistent numbness, you should seek the help of a medical professional, as this could be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Do not stoop
Sitting in a hunched position can be hard on the pelvic muscles, preventing the colon from fully relaxing and effortlessly passing stool. And the longer you take to do it, the more likely you will experience tingling in your legs.
The best way to avoid loss of feeling in your legs and feet is to sit in the proper, relaxed position. This would be in an upright position with the knees higher than the hips.
Do not be late
Avoid spending more than five to ten minutes on the toilet seat, and if you are struggling to pass stool, get up and try again in 15 minutes.
Remember that bowel movements should be easy, quick, and effortless. You may need to incorporate more fiber and water into your diet to loosen and soften your stools.
Get a toilet stool
Squat urinals can help the rectal canal to be more open, which means less straining, easier bowel movements, and less time in the bathroom.
Try a toilet pad
Padded toilet cushions can also give more cushioning to the buttocks and pelvic region, improving blood flow to the feet.
