Leg Pain from Driving? Here are the Prevention and Relief Tips

Leg Pain from Driving? Here are the Prevention and Relief Tips

Reached your destination following a long drive and your legs have become immovable rocks? Don't fret, you're not alone in that case! Leg ache following driving is a common issue, and most particularly for long-term drivers. Regardless of your driving routine, whether you're a commuter, a long-distance car traveler, or a commercial driver, driving can become a painful exercise when your legs hurt. Fear not, for with minor tips, one can both prevent and alleviate such aches and pains. Let's go through and review tips for relieving pain in legs from driving.

Why Driving Causes Leg Pain

You can regard driving as a passive activity, but your legs have a constant activity in terms of pressing the gas and brake pedals. With prolonged use, such repetitive motion can cause stiffness, cramps, and even a loss of sensation in your legs. Here’s why:

• Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting too far from the pedals can strain your muscles.
• Repetitive Motion: Constantly pressing the gas and brake engages the same muscles, leading to fatigue.
• Lack of Movement: Sitting in one position for too long reduces blood flow, causing stiffness.
• Pelvic Imbalance: If your pelvis isn’t aligned properly, one side of your body works harder than the other, leading to discomfort.

How to Prevent Leg Pain While Driving

The best way to deal with leg pain is to prevent it in the first place. Here’s how you can keep your legs happy on the road:

1.      Adjust Your Seat Position

There are various things you need to keep in mind while adjusting your seat position. You are advised to:

·         Sit close enough to the pedals so that your knees are bent slightly when you press them.

·         Ensure your hips are leveled. If they are tilting to one side, you might continue feeling leg pain.

·         Give some support to your lower back by using a cushion or a rolled-up towel.

2.      Take Breaks and Stretch

Another best way to give some relief to your legs is to take breaks now and then. Make sure you stop every 1-2 hours and give some rest to your legs. This is the time when you can simply walk for a few minutes or stretch your legs. Simple calf raises and hamstring stretches can also do wonders as they improve blood flow and relieve pain in the legs.

3.      Use Cruise Control When Possible

Those who are frequent drivers and usually hit the highways can use cruise control to give their right leg some break. However, it is strictly advised to stay alert and be available to regain control when needed.

Tips to Relieve Leg Pain After Driving

If you are already having pain in your legs, then worry not! The below-listed tips will help you get rid of pain.

1.      Stretch Your Legs

You might be wondering that your legs already worked for long hours while driving and how stretching can help. Well, this can bring a lot of difference. You can practice some stretches like hamstring, calf, and quad and then check for yourself how things get changed.

2.      Massage and Ice Therapy

Massaging your legs with hot oil can also bring you some relief. You can do it yourself or ask someone to massage your thighs and calves with soft hands or with the help of a foam roller. Apart from that ice pack can also be used to reduce inflammation. The suggested time for the same is 10-15 minutes.

3.      Elevate Your Legs

This can be done by lying down and propping your legs up on a pillow. It is best practice to reduce swelling and improve the blood circulation in your legs, resulting in pain relief.

Still in Pain? Use the ESAP Pelvic Leveler for Relief

If even after following all the tricks listed, you still are experiencing pain in your legs, it might be due to pelvic misalignment. You need to understand that the repetitive use of gas and break pedals by your right leg can cause pelvic misalignment issues and you may experience right lateral pelvic tilt.

If that is the case and the pain in your legs is due to pelvic misalignment, there is a tool by an experienced chiropractor, Dr. Rob Mabary, that can help you mimic the same motion with your left leg and balance things out. Click here if you want to know How to Use the Pelvic Leveler.

Final Thoughts

Driving doesn’t have to be a pain! With the change in your sitting adjustments and using simple techniques, you can certainly prevent and relieve leg pain from driving.

Let us know in the comments which tip worked in your case! Your feedback is awaited!