Do you constantly find yourself enduring excruciating knee pains after long hours behind the wheel? The agony of aching knees can make driving a nightmare and everyday commute a painful ordeal. This persistent discomfort, commonly known as “drivers knee” demands your attention.
Knee pains can discourage you from driving, but with a car that has more leg room or height between the seat and pedals, you can still have a comfortable driving experience. But what car will provide this comfort?
SUVs are known for their expansive leg room that provides a good comfortable position that helps your knee, with an SUV you don’t have to stretch your legs, you can sit higher and bend more.
In your car selection, you should look out for a car type with height adjustment, preferably power seats, and two motors for height adjustment (front height/rear height). You don’t want a too-compact car that will put pressure on your knee.
To help you find relief, we’d make a listicle of the best SUVs for knee problems and provide the best comfortable driving experience.
Top Knee Friendly SUVs
Some of the safest and most comfortable SUVs for those with knee problems include:
KIA Soul
It offers good ground clearance and a comfortable seating position that allows you to sit up rather than lean back. It makes it extremely easy to get in and out with an expansive comfortable interior.
It is classified as a sub-compact sub-compact SUV and is considered one of the best SUVs in terms of knee comfort.
Subaru Forester
The forester provides an upright seating position and power seats that can be adjusted to your desired height. It stands upright and also offers good fuel economy and the added benefit of being an all-wheel drive SUV. It offers excellent driver visibility, responsive grip and handling, simple controls, and a very comfortable ride.
Honda CR-V
This car type is popular among elderly drivers who may have back joints or arthritis issues. It provides a comfortable driving experience with features that prioritize comfort and support. It has a roomy interior that offers a smooth and comfortable ride which makes it great to drive and easy to use.
With these top-notch SUVs engineered with your comfort in mind, you can bid farewell to agonizing car rides and embrace a pain-free experience.
Driving ethics and measures to alleviate Knee pains
Finding relief from knee pain while driving is not solely dependent on the vehicle you choose. It’s also important to practice good driving habits and implement measures to alleviate knee pain, such as:
1. Adjusting your driving position
Ensure that your seat is positioned correctly and provides adequate support. Adjust the seat height, backrest angle, and distance from the pedals to optimize your posture and reduce strain on your knees.
2. Use proper foot positioning
Position your feet comfortably on the pedals, avoiding excessive ankle flexion or extension. Maintain a relaxed and neutral foot position to minimize stress on the knees.
3. Take breaks and stretch
Plan regular breaks during long drives to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. Perform simple knee stretches and gentle exercises to relieve tension and improve blood circulation.
4. Strengthen leg muscles
Engage in regular exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles. Strengthening these muscles can provide better support for your knees during driving and reduce the risk of pain.
5. Apply heat or cold therapy
After a long drive, applying heat or cold packs to your knees can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
6. Consider knee supports or braces
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may find it helpful to wear a knee brace or support during long drives. These can provide additional stability and reduce strain on the knee joint.
If your knee pain persists or worsens despite these measures, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a physical therapist for a proper evaluation and personalized recommendations. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and suggest specific treatments or exercises tailored to your needs.
In Conclusion.
Driving with knee pain doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. By choosing a knee-friendly SUV that prioritizes comfort and provides the right adjustments, you can transform your driving experience.
The KIA Soul, Subaru Forester, and Honda CRV are among the top SUVs that offer the perfect combination of ground clearance, legroom, and seat adjustability.
Remember, it’s not just the vehicle that matters-adopting proper driving ethics and implementing measures to alleviate knee pains are equally important. Adjust your seat position, use proper foot positioning, take breaks and stretch, strengthen your leg muscles, and consider heat therapy or knee supports. However, if your knee persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice for a personalized evaluation and tailored recommendations.
By following these tips and choosing the right knee-friendly SUV, you can bid farewell to agonizing car rides and enjoy a pain-free driving experience.
