Living with oedema can be both physically and emotionally challenging. The swelling, discomfort, and mobility issues that often come with the condition can have a huge impact on everyday life. For anyone living with oedema, finding solutions that make things a little easier, a little more comfortable, and a little brighter is so important. Rise and recline chairs have become a trusted companion for many people, offering targeted relief, gentle support, and the ability to move with more ease.
In this article, we’ll look at how rise and recline chairs can make a real difference for people managing oedema—helping to ease symptoms, support mobility, and bring more comfort to daily life.
Understanding Oedema
Before we dive into how rise and recline chairs can help, let’s take a moment to understand what oedema is and how it affects the body.
What is Oedema?
Oedema happens when excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling. It most commonly appears in the feet, ankles, and legs, but it can occur in other parts of the body as well. This swelling can make it uncomfortable or difficult to move around, and in more severe cases, it can be painful.
What Causes Oedema?
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Circulation problems, such as venous insufficiency
- Health conditions like heart, liver, or kidney issues
- Problems with the lymphatic system
- Certain medications
- Injury or recovery from surgery
For many people, managing oedema means making small changes to their lifestyle, such as keeping the legs elevated, improving circulation, and avoiding long periods of inactivity.
The Role of Rise and Recline Chairs in Managing Oedema
Rise and recline chairs are specially designed to provide comfort, support, and mobility assistance. They offer a range of features that make them particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with oedema. Let’s take a closer look at how these chairs can support oedema management.
1. Leg Elevation to Reduce Swelling
One of the most important ways to manage oedema is by elevating the legs above the level of the heart. This position helps reduce fluid buildup in the lower extremities, improving circulation and alleviating swelling.
Rise and recline chairs have motorised reclining functions that allow users to raise their legs easily and safely. By positioning the legs higher, these chairs promote fluid drainage from the tissues back into the bloodstream, reducing the discomfort associated with swelling.
Unlike traditional chairs or sofas, which may not provide adequate elevation, rise and recline chairs are designed to support a precise elevation level for maximum benefit. The ability to adjust the position ensures that users can remain comfortable while reducing swelling.
2. Improved Circulation
Poor circulation is a common issue for oedema patients, often exacerbating swelling and discomfort. Sitting or lying in one position for too long can restrict blood flow, leading to fluid retention in the legs and feet.
The reclining feature of these chairs allows individuals to shift positions regularly, which can prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. Some advanced rise and recline chairs also include features like massage or heat therapy, which can further promote circulation and reduce discomfort.
By gently adjusting the chair’s positioning throughout the day, users can maintain healthier blood flow and experience improved relief from oedema symptoms.
3. Easier Mobility and Standing Assistance
For many people with oedema, standing up from a seated position can be a challenge due to stiffness, discomfort, or limited strength. Rise and recline chairs address this issue with their motorised lift function, which helps individuals transition from sitting to standing with ease.
The lift feature gently tilts the chair forward, providing the necessary support to help users rise to their feet safely and independently. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who rely on carers for assistance.
By reducing the strain of standing up, rise and recline chairs empower users to maintain greater independence and confidence in their daily movements.
4. Customised Comfort and Support
Every person’s needs are unique, and rise and recline chairs offer customisable features to ensure optimal comfort and support. Many chairs come with:
- Adjustable backrests and leg rests
- Multiple reclining positions
- Soft, supportive cushioning
For oedema patients, finding a comfortable seated or reclining position is crucial. The ability to adjust the chair to suit individual needs means that users can remain comfortable for longer periods without experiencing pressure points or discomfort.
Additionally, some rise and recline chairs include memory foam or specialised upholstery that conforms to the body, providing additional support for those with swelling or tenderness.
5. Promoting Rest and Relaxation
Managing oedema often requires periods of rest to allow the body to recover and reduce swelling. Rise and recline chairs provide an ideal space for individuals to rest comfortably, whether they are napping, reading, or watching television.
The gentle reclining motion and ability to elevate the legs encourage relaxation, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. By offering a supportive and comfortable resting environment, rise and recline chairs play an essential role in the recovery process for oedema patients.
Choosing the Right Rise and Recline Chair for Oedema Relief
If you or a loved one is considering a rise and recline chair to help manage oedema, there are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the right chair:
- Adjustability: Look for a chair with multiple reclining and elevation options to ensure you can find the most comfortable and beneficial positions.
- Lift Function: Ensure the chair has a motorised lift feature to assist with standing up safely.
- Cushioning and Support: Opt for chairs with soft, supportive padding that minimises pressure on swollen areas.
- Size and Fit: The chair should fit the user’s height, weight, and body shape to provide optimal comfort and support.
- Additional Features: Consider chairs with massage, heat therapy, or easy-to-clean upholstery for added comfort and convenience.
Taking the time to select the right chair can make a significant difference in managing oedema symptoms and improving overall comfort.
Our Recommended Rise and Recline Chairs for Oedema Relief
Here are some of our top recommendations for rise and recline chairs that are particularly beneficial for individuals with oedema:
The Medina Cosi Chair is a superbly comfortable Independent dual-motor chair with pocket-sprung chaise seating and a soft fibre-filled backrest.
The independent control of backrest and footrest functions operated through the simple handset enables you to find your desired seating or reclined position for maximum comfort.
The Ambassador chair is different from any other riser recliner chair with its superbly supportive seating positioning system and deep waterfall cushions, which provide ultimate seating comfort.
Its unique design enables you to achieve maximum comfort, whether seated, rising or reclining.
The Hamble Cosi Chair is a very easy-to-use single-motor rise and recliner chair with a modern over-padding wing arm construction, which offers additional comfort.
It has a zipped waterfall back design and offers a smooth lift and recline, helping you reach your preferred position effortlessly.
The Camberley is a popular chair because of its simplistic design. Relish those few moments of comfort with a chair with retro-styled arms designed to fit in with any suite.
This comfortable, cosy riser recliner comes in a deluxe mechanism (dual motor) with a waterfall back.
These chairs are carefully chosen for their ability to provide comfort, improve circulation, and make everyday movements easier for those managing oedema.
How Able to Enable Can Help
At Able to Enable, we have been providing leading mobility solutions for over 20 years, and during this time, we have curated a reputation for high-quality products, open and honest communication, reliable servicing and repairs, and first-class customer service. It is this combination that has made us a leading mobility shop in the UK.
As a Which? Trusted Trader, we are proud to bring trust and integrity into everything we do. From offering home demonstrations of popular mobility solutions to determine their suitability for your individual needs to investing in tools and ongoing training for our staff, everything we do at Able to Enable is designed with your best interests in mind.
Whether you visit our York mobility shop or our Harrogate mobility shop, our goal is to provide you with the best experience when looking to improve your quality of life. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the perfect rise and recline chair to ease oedema symptoms and enhance your daily comfort.
Take the first step towards greater comfort, mobility, and independence by contacting Able to Enable today. We are here to help you make life easier, one solution at a time.
