Recliners are among the most comfortable chairs available. While you sit comfortably, your legs can rest and relax.
It is a proven fact that recliners are very popular with seniors and people with disabilities. But despite how simple this chair may seem, research has shown that it can also cause damage to your leg circulation if misused.
For your blood to flow through your arteries, they must remain open at all times. You will need to keep your legs moving to do this.
When you sit in a recliner for a long time, it can cause the veins and arteries in your lower body to become constricted, placing pressure on these vessels. If this occurs, the blood will have difficulty passing through them, increasing the blood pressure in that area.
If your recliner is at a 90-degree angle, it may lead to long-term problems with circulation. As a rule of thumb, it is best to purchase a chair that allows your legs to move up and down slightly to keep your blood flowing properly throughout your body.
Furthermore, it would be best to experiment with different positions while sitting in your recliner chair. For example, rather than just sitting with your legs down, you can relax them for a few minutes and then switch to putting them in an upright position or even crossing them.
Doing this will keep the blood moving through your body, which is extremely helpful when sitting in a recliner for an extended period.
Pros Tips: When it comes to recliners, it’s imperative that you know your body and how the chair is affecting it. It would be best if you always had a doctor check your leg circulation periodically so that they can ensure everything is functioning correctly.
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What should you avoid when using a recliner?
There is no doubt that a recliner can interfere with blood circulation in your legs if it is not used correctly.
It is necessary to take measures to reduce the harmful effects of the chair if you are unable to avoid it. You should take steps to prevent problems with your recliner, but you should also avoid certain things when using it.
Therefore, you should not sit in the recliner for an extended time or in an upright position, which can negatively impact your circulation.
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, a recliner is not likely to be the most suitable choice for you, as it makes getting up more difficult.
Many individuals use a recliner frequently and report that they have never encountered any issues while using a recliner. Nonetheless, if you have been experiencing problems with your circulation or other medical conditions, you should refrain from sitting in a recliner to avoid serious complications.
You can take specific steps to prevent injuries or other medical conditions from occurring if you believe your recliner is affecting the circulation of your legs.
- Exercise your leg and feet regularly.
- Avoid an injury by standing up every 5 minutes at a time.
- Switch to a more supportive chair that has a footrest extension.
- It may be a good idea to raise the chair so that your feet can dangle freely.
- Relaxation shouldn’t mean pain and injury.
Dr. John Moore, medical director of Everest ER, has this advice: “If you have any health concerns or complaints such as numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, please consult with your physician.”
Dr. Moore also said, “It’s helpful for people to remember that reclining can help them to relax and recover from a long day at work, but that there are several precautions they can take to prevent injury or further medical problems when relaxing in a recliner.”
Is it vital to use a recliner?
A recliner can be helpful for some people. However, it is not recommended to use this chair for long periods.
It is recommended that, when you are seated in a recliner, you place your feet on an ottoman to relieve some of the weight from your lower body. Another thing you can do is stand up for at least 10 minutes every hour and walk around the room.
So, if you can use a recliner correctly, it will be beneficial to you. If you use it for an extended time without doing anything else, the problem will only aggravate.
Source: My Purnima: Article review completed by Dr. Seshadri Kumar, Orthopedic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore on 22nd May 2013.
Read Why Are Massage Chairs so Expensive?
FAQs
Is sleeping in a recliner likely to cause blood clots?
It is not harmful to use a recliner, but sleeping in such a position may increase the risk of blood clots. In addition, when you lie on your back, blood flow is restricted to the lower parts of your body. The result can be more health problems such as swollen legs and stomach aches. Therefore, you should avoid sleeping in the recliner if at all possible.
What are the risks involved with sleeping in a recliner chair?
Sleeping in a recliner may result in pain and discomfort in the neck, back, and hips. Moreover, it is not recommended because you may become accustomed to it and end up with poor posture at your desk or sitting in other chairs.
Can recliners be harmful to your hips?
The recliner tilt does not adversely affect your hips; however, you should be cautious as it can place unnatural weight on your hip. To avoid this, make sure the recliner is adjusted adequately before using it.
Should feet hang over a recliner?
If you are using a recliner, the feet should be able to hang freely. Therefore, you do not need to apply any pressure while seated in a recliner.
Why do my legs ache when I sit in a reclining chair?
Sitting in a recliner for too long can lead to leg discomfort as the legs do not receive adequate circulation. To relieve pressure on your legs, you should try to get up from the chair at least once every hour for at least 10 minutes.
Final advice: A recliner can be a great addition to your home, but it is important to make sure that you use it the right way for maximum health benefits.
