Chronic oedema is a relatively common condition, but can have a big impact. Oedema can be detrimental to a person’s quality of life, and swelling can be painful and make it a challenge to carry out daily tasks.
One way to help manage symptoms at home is using a riser recliner chair. A recliner chair allows you to elevate legs to reduce swelling, and is a great way to ease tension and encourage blood flow, which in turn reduces swelling.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a riser recliner chair and how elevating your feet can reduce swelling, improve comfort and enhance quality of life. At Opera Beds, we’ve helped thousands of people restore their comfort by guiding them to the perfect solution. Get in touch today and start with a free consultation with an expert.
What Causes Leg and Foot Swelling?
An estimated four people in every 1,000 have chronic oedema. Several factors can cause a person to experience swellings in the legs and feet. However, oedema is usually caused by:
- standing or sitting too long in the same position
- being overweight
- pregnancy
- certain medications
How Common is Foot Swelling?
Swollen feet and ankles can be common and not often a cause for concern. However, in some cases it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as heart or kidney disease, or a possible infection.
It's worth noting that foot swelling can often be managed or reduced with lifestyle changes, such as elevating the feet or wearing compression stockings, but it's always important to consult with a medical professional if you're experiencing persistent swelling or if you're unsure of the underlying cause.
Is Foot Swelling Dangerous?
In most instances, having swollen feet is not dangerous and can be managed with lifestyle changes such as elevating your legs. Foot swelling can be dangerous in cases where it is an underlying medical condition.
For example, it can be a sign of heart or kidney disease, which can be life-threatening. It's always important to consult with a medical professional if you're experiencing persistent swelling or if you're unsure of the underlying cause.
How to Reduce Leg Swelling with a Recliner Chair
A riser recliner chair is designed to help people with mobility issues stand up and sit down more easily. There are also health benefits to riser recliner chairs, including reducing leg swelling. Here's how:
- The chair allows you to elevate your legs above your heart level. This position promotes blood flow and reduces swelling.
- The chair has a built-in footrest that supports your legs and reduces pressure on your feet. This can help prevent fluid build up and reduce swelling.
- The chair can be adjusted to fit your body and provide maximum comfort. You can adjust the height, angle, and position of the chair to find the most comfortable position for your legs.
- The chair is easy to use and can be operated with a remote control. This means you can adjust the chair without getting up, which is helpful for people with mobility issues.
By using a riser recliner chair, you can reduce leg swelling and improve your overall comfort. However, it's important to consult with your doctor before trying any new treatment or if you experience any discomfort or pain.
If you’d like to be guided through the process of finding the best riser recliner chair our dedicated team is available to help. Contact our friendly advisors today.
Choosing the Right Type of Recliner Chair
If you or a loved one experience swelling in your feet, it’s important to choose the right recliner chair. At Opera, our riser recliner chair collection offers both single and dual motors to suit your needs and budget. Unsure what the difference between single vs dual motor chairs is? Find out in our guide.
As standard, every Opera chair has an in-build heel extender which offers added support to the ankles and is a great way to ease swelling. Furthermore, the gentle rise then tilt feature provides a smooth transition from seated to standing. This is beneficial for those with swelling who can find it difficult and painful to stand by themselves.
For even more targeted relief on the legs and feet, a dual-motor riser recliner chair may be a more suitable option. Dual motor chairs have separate motors for the backrest and legrest. This provides more customisable sitting positions, and you can have just your legs elevated. Furthermore, individuals with poor circulation can benefit from sitting with their legs up as it encourages better blood flow.
Considerations when choosing a recliner chair for swollen feet
When choosing the right recliner chair to reduce swollen feet, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose a chair that allows you to elevate your legs above your heart level, as this promotes blood flow and reduces swelling. Look for a chair with a built-in footrest that supports your legs and reduces pressure on your feet, which can help prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling.
Additionally, the chair should be adjustable to fit your body and provide maximum comfort. You should be able to adjust the height, angle, and position of the chair to find the most comfortable position for your legs.
It's also helpful to choose a chair that is easy to use and can be operated with a remote control, especially if you have mobility issues. This means you can adjust the chair without getting up, which can be helpful if you experience discomfort or pain.
FAQs about Elevating Legs to Reduce Swelling
Answering our most asked questions for swelling in the legs and feet.
Can you elevate your legs in a recliner?
Yes, easily. Here’s how:
- Sit in the recliner chair and adjust it to a comfortable position. You can adjust it by using the hand control, or for manual recliner chairs pulling the handle on the side.
- Allow the leg rest to extend so your legs are above your heart level.
- Make sure your legs are fully supported and not dangling off the edge of the chair.
- Relax and enjoy the benefits of elevating your legs.
Are recliner chairs good for your legs?
Yes, recliner chairs are good for your legs because they allow you to elevate your legs above your
heart level which promotes blood flow and reduces swelling.
Additionally, a recliner chair has a built-in footrest that supports your legs and reduces pressure on your feet. The chair can also be adjusted to fit your body and provide maximum comfort. By using a recliner chair regularly, you can reduce leg swelling and improve your overall comfort.
Does elevating legs get rid of fluid?
Elevating your legs above the heart level is an effective way to reduce swelling and get rid of excess fluid that has accumulated in your legs. When you elevate your legs, gravity helps to pull the fluid down towards the heart, which in turn helps to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This, in turn, reduces the pressure in the blood vessels and tissues of the legs, which reduces swelling and discomfort. Additionally, elevating your legs helps to prevent the accumulation of more fluid in the legs, as it reduces pressure on the veins and promotes better blood flow.
How long should you elevate legs to reduce swelling?
It's advised to lift your legs for at least 15-20 minutes every day to help decrease swelling and enhance blood circulation. This can be easily achieved in a riser recliner chair when reading or watching TV to pass the time. Frequency depends on the severity of the swelling, but it is good practice to do this 2-3 times a day.
Is it OK to sleep with legs elevated?
It is not recommended to spend long durations sleeping in a riser recliner chair, as they are designed to maximise comfort that you do not get from a regular armchair.
Taking a quick nap with your legs elevated will offer targeted relief and help reduce swelling and keep you comfortable. If you are looking to enhance your sleep quality, there are more suitable options including profiling beds and adjustable beds.
What happens if you elevate your legs for too long?
Elevating your legs for too long can sometimes lead to negative side effects. While elevating your feet for a short period can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, doing it for too long can lead to discomfort and other issues.
If you elevate your legs for an extended period, you might experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation. This is because the blood flow to your feet may decrease, causing your nerves to send signals to your brain that can be perceived as discomfort. Additionally, you may experience muscle atrophy, which is the loss of muscle mass due to inactivity. This can lead to weakness, stiffness, and difficulty moving your legs.
Learn More and Get Started with Opera Beds
Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, At Opera Beds our talented team offer expert advice to find the right solution for you or a loved one. There are a few ways to get started to suit your needs:
Telephone consultation: speak with our experts via telephone to find the right product for your needs.
Visit an Opera showroom: come try the full Opera range at our Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire showroom. By appointment only, you’ll have a personal advisor on hand to give advice and tailored recommendations.
Virtual video call: Can’t travel? No problem! Have a 1-1 video call with an Opera advisor who can give a full showroom experience from the comfort of your own home.
