Updated at: 13-03-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

Lower leg pain while sitting in a recliner is usually a symptom of a more serious issue. It could be from standing for too long, or it could be something more serious like diabetes.

For the best chance of preventing further damage, it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible, regardless of its origin. Find out what’s wrong and how to fix it by reading this article!

Problem: Lower legs ache and throb when in the recliner

If your legs hurt when you’re sitting in a recliner, it’s probably because of something more serious. This discomfort could be the result of a medical condition, such as diabetes, or the result of too much time spent on your feet. It’s best to get on top of the problem as soon as possible, no matter what triggered it.

Treatment options

Visit a medical professional about the discomfort, and then prioritize your health by adopting a diabetes prevention plan that includes a balanced diet, plenty of sleep, and thirty minutes of daily exercise.

Is Your Chair Killing You? The Consequences of Comfort

Consistent physical activity is priority number two. Walking around the block quickly can help ease lower leg pain and maintain healthy circulation. Try something easier, like walking up and down the stairs or climbing a few flights of stairs, if the thought of exercising fills you with dread.

Third, three to four times a day, for 15 minutes, run an ice cube down the back of your hurt leg.

To avoid burns, keep heating pads and hot water bottles at least 12 inches away from the skin, and exercise extra caution when applying them to areas of the body with poor circulation, such as the feet and ankles.

Buy a doughnut-shaped pillow, which is our recommendation for number five. Support of this type is created to conform to the shape of the user’s lower legs, giving those muscles the relief they need to fully unwind.

Sit with your knees higher than your hips and use a footrest or ottoman if necessary to ensure that both feet remain flat on the floor while reclining.

Seventh, before settling into the recliner, prop up one leg on a small throw pillow or rolled-up towel placed on the arm of the chair.

Number eight, if you’re sitting in a chair without arms, try propping both feet on an ottoman that’s about three to four inches high, or placing a small throw pillow on the seat of the chair before you sit down.

Solution no. 9: Raise your feet while working at a desk with one of these options. If your legs are aching and tired, doing this will be similar to what happened when we discussed recliners above and should help get the blood flowing again.

Tenth, it’s not a good idea to leave your feet hanging over the edge of a stool for extended periods of time because that puts extra strain on your lower back and makes it hard to find a comfortable position.

If you’re out and about and can’t seem to find a seat, try propping up both feet on one of these and crossing one leg over the other. Take a short break from sitting if you’re feeling stiff and sore to stretch your muscles before continuing what you were doing.

Medical Tips on How to Avoid Lower Legs Ache and Throbbing in Recliner

One must take care of the lower leg problem as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse. This article will explore possible causes for the issue and possible solutions.

Instead of consuming fried or high-sugar snacks in-between meals, try snacking on some fresh fruit or vegetables instead.

Third, get up and take short walks around the house to get your legs moving and loosen up. You’ll be less sedentary as a result of this, too!

Fourth, if you suspect a more serious medical issue, see a doctor right away. The sooner a problem is identified, the better the chance of successfully treating it.

How to Sit Properly on a Recliner

Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may advise you to incorporate more movement and stretching into your daily routine. Reclining for too long can cause pain in the lower legs, so it’s important to find ways to sit without putting unnecessary pressure on the legs or back:

If you suffer from lower back pain, you should move your butt down in the chair until your legs are nearly straight. When you do this, you won’t have to worry about getting cramps in your legs while sitting upright.

Keep your lower back supported by a pillow and a foot that you can dangle off the front of the recliner.

To alleviate pressure on your legs and lower body, it is helpful to prop your feet up on a pillow so they are nearly straight out, even if you are not experiencing lower back pain.

Try to lean your back against the back of the chair and stretch your legs out if you’re in a recliner without arms. In order to provide even more help for your lower body, you can stack one leg on top of the other.

Why Do My Legs Ache When I Sit In a Recliner? Let’s Dive Inside

The Causes and Remedies for Reclining Chair Leg Pain:

Step 1. If you’re serious about finding the answer to the question, “why does my leg ache when I sit in a recliner?” you should check the height of your recliner. You need it to be high enough that your feet can touch the ground.

It shouldn’t be so high that when you recline, your feet aren’t flat on the floor. The most common cause of leg pain while reclining is a chair that is too high for the user.

Step 2. Let’s say your discomfort doesn’t quickly subside after you get up from your recliner. Visiting a doctor is a very real possibility. As a result, it is suggested because you may be experiencing difficulties with blood circulation, which can lead to discomfort in the arms and legs. It causes leg swelling and numbness if you do it while reclining.

Step 3. The discomfort in your legs could be the result of not using a footstool, pillow, or other similar aid. You should try propping yourself up on pillows and cushions as a first line of defense. Raise your feet up to a comfortable position.

Raise or lower the chair’s back as desired. I need to do some experimenting to figure out why I get a leg ache from sitting in a recliner and what I can do to make it more comfortable.

Step 4. See an orthopaedic doctor to rule out any other health issues. Be sure to take note if you experience discomfort in any chair besides your recliner. Seek help for whatever health problem you’re experiencing.

Step 5. Take off anything cumbersome from your legs so you can give them a break and ease the strain on them.

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Things Which Can Help Control Leg Pain When Reclining

Footrest:

The use of a footrest is common for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis or are on the mend from foot surgery. A footstool is a small, low stool that can be used as an additional seat in the living room when more seating is needed.

Pillow:

Pain from muscle strain can be alleviated by placing a pillow behind your leg muscles while reclining.

Drapery:

Drape a long, thick blanket over the back of your sofa chair. This will help alleviate leg discomfort while seated by providing support for the lower body and relieving pressure on the buttock muscles.

Footrest / Riser:

They are commonly used by people who have trouble bending their knees. Installing a footrest or riser in front of the chair and under the feet can provide much-needed support for the legs and help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes from sitting for long periods of time.

Position:The back of your legs will thank you if, when seated, you transfer your weight to your thighs instead.

Lumbar Support:

If you suffer from leg pain from having to bend forward to reach your feet, a recliner may be able to help by providing additional lumbar support, which will increase the natural curvature of your spine and relieve some of the strain on your back.

Seat Cushion:

By placing one on your chair, you can alleviate pressure on your thighs and the muscles supporting them.

Leg Rest:

If you’re sitting in a chair with your legs not fully extended (i.e., bent at the knees), you should prop your feet up on a leg rest. If you suffer from leg pain while reclining, this is the perfect solution. When people ask me why their legs hurt after prolonged recliner use, I always tell them to try using a leg rest.

Recline Angle:

Adjusting the angle of inclination can help alleviate the strain placed on the upper legs when one’s lower back is fully extended and relaxed, thereby relieving any resulting leg pain.

Adjust Seat:

In addition, you can adjust the height of your chair to be more in line with your hips and thighs. In doing so, you’ll reduce the strain on your back and legs that’s contributed to your leg pain from sitting in a recliner.

Chair Cushions:

If you’ve exhausted all other options, try reclining with a chair cushion wedged between your thighs and hips.

Air Cushion:

If you suffer from leg pain when relaxing in a recliner, the most expensive solution is an Aircushion.

Note:It doesn’t matter if you use a foam or inflatable chair cushion, but those with limited mobility (the elderly) should.

What is the Best Recliner with Leg Support?

The best recliners are sturdy, soft, and provide ample back support. The high back provides comfort for the neck, and the leg sleeve reduces strain on the thighs from prolonged sitting.

The healthy recliner’s inflatable leg cushions not only provide comfort, but also promote proper leg alignment while seated.

A better option for a recliner is a new design that provides full leg support for those who need it without sacrificing the convenience of an armless chair.

Is A Recliner Good For Circulation? 

If it’s used properly, then it’s fine.

Man relaxing on recliner

Finding that sweet spot is the challenge. You want to take advantage of the benefits of a reclined position without suffering the drawbacks of excessive inactivity.

It has been scientifically proven that elevating the legs for at least 20 minutes can help improve blood flow.

You should begin by relaxing in a cozy recliner chair or power recliner. Check that the lumbar support of the recliner is snug against your lower back and that there isn’t a lot of space between your back and the support.

Put your feet up a little higher than your heart by adjusting the height of your recliner.

By reducing the amount of time it must spend pumping blood against gravity, this position reduces the strain on the heart.

Your blood pressure and joints will both improve as a result of this.


Can Sleeping In A Recliner Cause Blood Clots? 

If done correctly, sleeping in a recliner should not increase your risk of blood clots or any other health problems.

When you sleep with your legs bent in a way that constricts the blood flow in your arteries, you increase your risk of developing a blood clot, medically known as a deep-vein thrombosis.

Man sleeping in a recliner

If you stay like this for a long period of time without getting up and moving around, you may increase your risk of developing a blood clot that could cause serious complications if it breaks loose while traveling through your bloodstream.

This is why it is recommended to get up and move around every so often during a long flight.

On the other hand, a recliner provides a simple answer to this problem. If you adjust the height of your chair so that your legs are completely straight, you won’t have to worry about this happening.

You should always recline all the way if you think you might nod off in a chair.

It’s important to keep an eye on your elderly parents if they have a tendency to nod off in a recliner, and to make any necessary adjustments to the recline angle.


Is Sleeping In A Recliner Bad For Circulation? 

As we’ve seen with blood clots, there is a right way to sleep in a recliner that is best for circulation.

One common mistake is to fall asleep while sitting up straight with one’s legs crossed.

Man using a recliner

If this happens, it won’t make a bit of difference if you’re sleeping in a recliner or a regular chair.

It’s the same as sitting at a desk all day, and we all know that’s bad for our blood flow.

Blocking blood flow in the popliteal artery, which is located behind the knee, is problematic.

Again, recliners offer an easy way to avoid this. Just get into the habit of adjusting your sitting position before falling asleep.

Blocking blood flow and the associated problems can be avoided if you keep your legs straight or slightly bent.

The Best Recliners For Leg Circulation 

The number of possible reclining positions is the most important factor to consider when selecting a recliner model to aid with circulation problems.

A power recliner is a great choice if you have elderly family members. Lift chairs allow the user to easily change their position in the chair with the push of a button. They can also be used to get up from a sitting or lying position without putting unnecessary stress on the body.

FAQ 

Why Do My Legs Ache When I Sit In A Recliner? 

Blood circulation is impeded when one remains immobile for long periods of time with one’s knees bent. The result could be a sensation of “heavy legs,” caused by oxygen-depleted blood pooling in the lower extremities.

You should take frequent breaks to get up and move around. In order to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells and remove waste products, your body relies on a steady supply of fresh blood.

There’s also the potential for trouble if you’re sitting in a recliner that’s too big for you, or if you lean back in a power recliner without first extending the leg rest.

The weight of your body could shift to the back of your thighs if your feet hang in midair. The reduced blood flow to the area may leave you with a dull ache in your legs.

Is Sitting Worse Than Lying Down? 

Sitting in one position for too long, especially with your legs bent, is just as bad for your health as lying down.

Since lying down allows the heart to relax and pump blood more efficiently, it is the natural resting position for the human body.

However, excessive periods of either sitting or lying down can be harmful. Prolonged periods of inactivity decrease the supply of fresh, oxygen-rich blood to our muscles, which can exacerbate a variety of health issues.

Can A Chair Cause Bad Circulation? 

Yes, if the size is off or if you have to adopt an uncomfortable seated position to use it.

If the seat is too shallow, you may find yourself sitting with your knees higher than your hips. As a result, your legs will be severely bent, reducing blood flow and possibly causing numbness. Furthermore, it stresses out your ligaments, tendons, muscles, and organs.

Inadequate foot support from an overly spacious chair can restrict blood flow to the back of the thighs.

Without adequate support for the lower back, sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable, and may even lead to postural distortions and spinal issues.

Conclusion:

If your mind ever When I sit in a recliner, my legs start to hurt. Consider the recliner height, foot and leg support, blood circulation, and other health concerns when responding.

You have a lot of leeway in the types of cushions, pillows, etc., that you use as props. It takes time and effort to find an equivalent replacement for a recliner. If you want to avoid leg pain, it’s a good idea to invest in one that can be adjusted and stored in various ways.