Arthritis sufferers spend most of their day sitting down. They may not realize how bad their posture is until they try to get up from a chair after being seated for hours.
Sitting all day can cause serious health problems, including muscle atrophy, bone loss, joint damage, and even heart disease. It also makes it harder to perform daily tasks such as walking, lifting, bending, reaching, and standing.
If you suffer from arthritis, you should consider investing in a new ergonomic office chair. A well-designed ergonomic chair will help you maintain proper posture while reducing stress on your joints. This will allow you to work longer without having to worry about hurting yourself.
I’ve reviewed dozens of office chairs over the years and picked the top ergonomic office chairs based on comfort, durability, ease of setup, and price. These are the best office chairs for arthritis patients!
Also Read: Top 6+ best office chair for DVT
Table of Contents
What is Arthritis?
Inflammation of joints can cause arthritis, a disease that affects one or more joints. Arthritis can be classified into two types: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
As arthritis patients age, they experience chronic joint pain and stiffness. The main cause of these pains is the wear and tear of the joints, which greatly affects this condition.
There are several types of arthritis, so it is important to understand that arthritis is a name for a wide variety of diseases. The most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and swelling. Males and females can both experience arthritis, as it is not confined to any specific gender.
As a result of chronic arthritis pain, many people have difficulty climbing stairs or walking. The next section discusses why people experience arthritis in the first place, as well as permanent joint changes, which only make it worse.
What Causes Arthritis?
The exact cause of Arthritis is still unknown, and it can be caused by a number of factors. Arthritis is generally caused by the gradual deterioration of cartilage between joints. The cartilage wears out over time, causing bones to rub against one another. As a result, they experience inflammation in the joints that ultimately leads to arthritis.
A person can also develop arthritis as a result of autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks any body tissue.
In this case, it is the cartilage tissue that is affected. Any injury to your joints can worsen this condition, so it is essential to have a seating surface that is comfortable enough for arthritis sufferers to sit on.
Typically, an office chair with back support is appropriate for such patients because it eliminates any pressure points and ensures you have a stress-free work experience without any joint wear and tear. The best chairs in this regard, however, are those with good back support. Do you want to find out which ones are the best ones? Well, keep reading.
The best office chair for arthritis
1. Steelcase Gesture Office Chair – best office chairs for arthritic knees
This Steelcase Gesture Ergonomic Chair is designed to adjust to your postures so your joints do not experience any pressure. You can easily adjust the chair’s height so that your knees are parallel to the floor so that they do not suffer any wear and tear.
Due to its adjustability and adaptability, this premium office chair suits a wide range of users. In addition to being one of the most ergonomic chairs on the market, the Gesture also employs the same 3D live back technology as the Leap V2, which mimics and responds to spinal movements. Because a static backrest is unable to accommodate your posture movements, it will contour to your spine’s natural movements.
Additionally, the Gesture stands out with its wide range of adjustable features. The armrests can be rotated 360 degrees to fit your needs. This means you can align it with your work desk and relieve the tension from your shoulders and neck. Furthermore, a properly adjusted armrest minimizes wrist movement, reducing the chance that carpal tunnel syndrome will occur.
The Gesture’s Core Equalizer is another unique adjustable feature. It’s a clamshell-like piece that connects the back and seat. This device will automatically adjust the lumbar resistance based on your body size and recline position.
Pros
- Adjustable height and tilt allow you to find the perfect sitting position for your body type.
- Armrest rotation adjusts to your specific needs.
- Live-back technology mimics and responds to your spinal movements.
- A wide range of adjustable features allows you to customize the chair to suit your needs.
- The Gesture is available in three different colors: Black, Grey, and Red.
Cons
- Price
Also Read: Top 6+ best office chair for diabetics
2. NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair – best desk chair for arthritis
In order to combat arthritic pains in a variety of ways, this ergonomic office chair from NOUHAUS is excellent. In spite of its price, this chair comes with a lot of adjustability to get you in the right ergonomic position. Even the most prominent arthritic pains, such as knee pains, will be eased by the design of the sitting area.
Having a seat size of 13″ x 6.7″, most people will be able to sit for a long time. The waterfall edge design on the front and back of this chair reduces leg strain. Combined with a tilt of 135°, your posture will remain healthy while you sit at your preferred position.
Despite the fact that the lumbar support is fixed, NOUHAUS provide a 3-dimensional system. When tested, the support hugged my lower back completely, aligning it and reducing compression resulting in less fatigue.
A feature worth mentioning is the highly adjustable armrest. It can be adjusted in four directions, so you can set the height and direction according to your preference. Perfect for positioning arms while working. You can adjust the headrest (13″ x 6.7″) as well, but only up and down, so no matter how you sit, it’s enough to support your neck.
In general, the chair offers numerous features that help with arthritic pain at a great price where often competitors offering office chairs at the same price lack them. With 275 lbs of weight capacity, it’ll fit most people, even heavier ones.
Finally, it’s worth noting that this chair is covered by a 3-year warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years, which indicates its durability and quality.
Pros
- It is easy to assemble
- (5’8″, 170lbs) – very comfortable to sit on for a long period of time.
- A great neck rest and lumbar support
- Mesh keeps the whole body cool and breathable
Cons
- A higher reclining resistance could make it easier to maintain positions in between without straining the hip flexors.
3. Herman Miller Embody – best office chair for hip arthritis
Office workers who aren’t short on budget and are willing to spend a lot to correct their ergonomics should consider the Herman Miller Embody Office Chair. Due to its ergonomic design, this chair is one of the best chairs for arthritis sufferers.
As part of its efforts to minimize the negative effects of prolonged sitting, Herman Miller went above and beyond to create the Embody chair. As they developed the Embody, dozens of experts in physical therapy, biomechanics, and ergonomics provided guidance.
Because it was designed to mimic a human back, this chair has flexible ribs that support and encourage movement. Additionally, the Embody’s backrest can be aligned with the natural curve of your spine, allowing for the optimal posture. The chair uses a suspended rubber canvas that is supported by the skeletal structure instead of excessive padding. In order to support all of your back muscles as you move, bend, and twist, the backrest conforms to your movements.
With the BackFit dial, you can adjust the curve of the spine’s thoracic part for lumbar and spinal support. In addition, you can adjust the curve of the chair to fit the shape of your spine. Although these adjustments may feel uncomfortable at first, they are intended to correct your posture. After a few days, the chair becomes much more comfortable.
Pros
- Reduce the stress from prolonged sitting and experience less pain from arthritis.
- The Embody office chair is one of the most ergonomic and comfortable chairs for those with arthritis.
- Reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting by using the Herman Miller Embody Office Chair.
- The Embody chair is a top-of-the-line product designed with the best in office ergonomics.
Cons
- Price
Also Read: Top 7+ best office chair for degenerative disc disease
4. SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – best office chair for rheumatoid arthritis
Next up on our best value pick is this fantastic ergonomic mesh office chair from SIHOO, which has been featured multiple times and consistently scored the best value. I consider this chair one of the best on the market in terms of features and price ratio. It comes packed with valuable features that will help combat arthritic pains and maintain a healthy posture.
The SIHOO chair is intended for office workers with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal pain. A number of parts can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
The headrest can be rotated 45 degrees and moved 3.9′′ either up or down. With the 3D armrests, you can adjust them in 3 directions. 2.8′′ up and down, 2.4′′ forward and back, as well as 34 degrees left and right, allowing you to move them in any direction you want.
In comparison to similar chairs available in the same price range, the lumbar support is also highly adjustable. If you suffer from back pains or simply want to prevent them, this chair provides excellent back support. Most people should be able to adjust it up and down 1.9 inches, plus 1.2 inches front and back.
Air circulation is maintained for extra comfort with this mesh back and mesh seat. Its mesh design allows easy maintenance like washing it because it resists abrasion and transformation. Because this high back desk chair features a mesh design, it is suitable for long-day sitting for up to eight hours.
As an added bonus, the seat comes with a 3-year warranty and comes in three different colors. Its design will also help combat arthritic pain such as knee pain. Last but not least, it can handle 330 pounds of weight, which is more than most competitors offer, so it should appeal to a broader audience than its competitors.
Pros
- Capacity for heavy loads
- Warranty of three years
- The design is great
- Material that is breathable
- Armrests and headrests that are adjustable
- Lumbar support that can be adjusted
- Seat depth can be adjusted
- The seat is highly padded
- Stylish and comfortable
Cons
- Especially if the headrest is positioned higher up, the headrest sometimes moves back and forth when the chair is moved.
5. HAG Capisco Adjustable Standing – Best for Degenerative Disk Disease
In general, arthritis and degenerative disc disease go hand in hand. If you suffer from degenerative disc disease, you will need a chair that promotes good posture and is ergonomic.
The HAG Capisco is the best office chair for arthritis sufferers with degenerative disc disease on our list because of its ability to promote and support active sitting.
The reason for this is that you’re actively engaging some of your muscles while you’re sitting in a chair, such as your leg, back, and abdomen muscles, thus preventing arthritis-related stiffening of joints, improving posture, and preventing muscle pain associated with prolonged sitting.
Designed to keep blood flowing, the HAG Capisco enables users to switch between a variety of positions. In addition to its wide range of seat height adjustments, the Capisco is also an excellent stool for taller desks. If you have a standing desk, you can use it to rest your legs periodically while working. It can be adjusted from 21.5′′ to 30.50′′ in height.
Our favorite feature of the Capiso is its tilt-backrest. Most office chairs can only recline backward, so tilting the backrest forward helps you be more productive and engaged in your work.
Pros
- The quality of sitting is increased for arthritis sufferers and degenerative disc disease sufferers.
- Encourages a healthy posture and is ergonomic to reduce the strain on your back from holding it in a seated position for long periods of time.
- The HAG Capisco sits differently than normal chairs and allows for a greater range of motion.
Cons
- Pricey
Also Read: Top 6 best office chair for pelvic pain
6. Steelcase Leap Office Chair – best office chair for arthritis
It is specifically designed to relieve back pain, but its highly adjustable seat makes it equally effective at easing other arthritic pains as well. Steelcase’s leap variant is our premium pick. It’s worth checking out this chair’s adjustability since it offers so much.
Its features are explained in a YouTube video. The seat depth can be adjusted forward and back to achieve a comfortable sitting position. Therefore, the ability to adjust is a very recommended feature since this is the most likely cause of pains such as arthritic knees. As a rule of thumb, a space of 2-3 inches between the end of the seat and your knees is recommended for best results. This is just the tip of the iceberg. When I tested it, I had complete control over reclining and tension.
There are also unique features like the lower back firmness control, which keeps your lower back flush with the back seat, and keeps your knees at a 90-degree angle so your lower back will remain flush. I found the lumbar support to be excellent and was able to adjust it to fit me just right with the slider for easy up-and-down regulation.
The product comes in 16 different color options, giving you the freedom to match it with your lifestyle at home. The design itself is extremely stylish, making it stand out from the crowd.
The Steelcase leap is a great choice if you have an extra buck to spare. It’ll last you for a very long time since it’s from a very reputable manufacturer who offers a 12-year warranty. Most people will be able to sit comfortably on a seat, measuring 15.75″ – 19.25″. It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
Pros
- The 3D LiveBack technology mimics your spine’s movements
- With Natural Glide adjustments, even when you are reclining, you remain in an ideal posture
- 400 pounds is the maximum weight capacity of the Leap.
- Completely assembled when shipped
- A variety of colors are available
Cons
- There is no adjustment for the back height
7. La-Z-Boy Delano – Best Office Chair for Arthritis Sufferers
The La-Z-Boy Delano might be the right chair for you if you enjoy a seat with lots of cushioning and padding.
It doesn’t have all the ergonomic features many of the other chairs on this list have, nor does it have a wide array of adjustable options. However, the chair is covered in memory foam padding throughout.
A combination of advanced ComfortCore and memory foam padding, the Delano relieves all tension and conforms to your body’s natural curves. Many people describe sitting on memory foam as sitting on a cloud.
Memory foam improves posture, and circulation, and reduces the stress on your spine, back, and hips. Designed as an executive-style office chair, the Delano features a high-back design with ample padding at the head and shoulder region, relieving neck and shoulder pain.
Moreover, the Delano has a rich and elegant finish due to the use of mahogany wood. However, the wood isn’t just for show; it’s also extremely durable and sturdy. This is one of the reasons the Delano can hold 400 pounds.
It uses a beautiful deep brown bonded leather upholstery which adds a sophisticated look to your office space and is easy to maintain due to its smoothness, suppleness, and simplicity of use.
Pros
- It is easy to clean and maintain a bonded leather upholstery
- Contours to the shape of your body using memory foam cushions
- The construction of mahogany wood is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing
- The armrests are padded
- It can hold a maximum weight of 400 pounds
Cons
- Lumbar support isn’t adjustable.
Also Read: Are office chairs good for gaming? – Important Info
What to Consider When Buying an Arthritis Office Chair
Adjustability
Because arthritis can occur in so many places, a chair must be highly customizable to sit in the most comfortable position. Adjustability is considered the most important thing to look for when buying an office chair for arthritis.
If arthritis is already present, you might want to choose a chair that is only adjustable in one specific place. For example, if it’s your back, pick something with flexible lumbar support.
Ergonomics
When buying an office chair for arthritis, look for a chair with an s-curve back seat and lumbar support to maximize sitting posture.
The ergonomics of the chair themselves are also important. In addition to the curvature of the seat, the design and design are also important. This is due to arthritis that can appear from the hips down. Because of reduced strain, an ergonomic seat will ease knee pain.
Weight Capacity
In spite of the fact that weight capacity is not so relevant to arthritis, it is essential that the chair be able to support your weight. If you are looking for an office chair, make sure there is some weight cushion, as prolonged sitting can ruin the hydraulic gas lift system.
Seat Comfort
You should look for a chair with long-lasting foam that won’t wear off after a couple of months if you intend to sit for long periods of time in an office chair. It is also important to consider a chair’s warranty; the longer the warranty, the better the chair will be.
The Importance of Good Posture
When it comes to having arthritis and sitting in an ergonomic office chair, good posture is even more important.
Poor posture can cause your joints and muscles to become misaligned, leading to stiffness and pain. When you have proper posture you create less pressure on your joints, which can help alleviate some of the pain caused by arthritis.
While you can’t completely alleviate the pain caused by arthritis, you can manage it by keeping your joints in the correct alignment. To do this, you need to be mindful of your posture and keep your back straight, your shoulders down and relaxed, and your head in a neutral position.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
Ergonomic office chairs are designed to support good posture, which is why they are an excellent choice for people with arthritis. These types of chairs come with a variety of features that make them ideal for people with this disease. First off, they are designed to support the natural curve of your spine.
This can reduce the amount of pressure on your joints and make sitting for hours more comfortable. Another feature that makes these chairs ideal for people with arthritis is the lumbar support. Many chairs come with a removable lumbar support that you can adjust to ensure the best fit for your back.
Which Ergonomic Office Chairs are the most Comfortable for Arthritis Sufferers?
There are many options when it comes to ergonomic chairs, so it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. When you’re looking for the most comfortable ergonomic office chair for arthritis, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you want a chair that has adjustable lumbar support.
This will help to keep your lower back in alignment while also supporting the pressure on your spine. Secondly, you want a chair with a generous amount of padding. The more padding on your chair, the more comfortable it will be.
Also Read: Top 6 Best chair for varicose veins
Other Options for People with Arthritis and Office Work
If you’re dealing with arthritis and are finding it difficult to find a high-quality office chair that’s comfortable and supportive, there are other options. Pushchairs and Wheelchairs – If you have arthritis in your hands, you might have difficulty typing at your desk.
An excellent solution for this problem is a sit-to-stand desk. A sit-to-stand desk is a desk that allows you to sit and work at the same time.
A knee brace – If your knees ache when you sit down at your desk, you can invest in a knee brace to keep your knee joints aligned while you work.
What kind of chair is best for osteoarthritis?
By elevating stiff and painful legs, people with arthritis can reduce inflammation and swelling by sitting – and reclining – in a range of comfortable positions.
What chair do chiropractors recommend?
Keeping your spine in its natural curvature and easing lower back pain can be achieved with kneeling chairs, as recommended by chiropractors.
What kind of chair is best for hip and back pain?
There are two reasons why the Herman Miller Mirra is the best office chair for back pain. First, and most importantly, the Mirra 2 is an ergonomic chair that will support your body and offer multiple adjustments to suit your body.
Can arthritis stop you from working?
Working with severe osteoarthritis may interfere with your working life, affecting your ability to carry out your job duties. If your arthritis prevents you from working or is causing you to work part-time, you may struggle financially.
Conclusion
You should assess your arthritic pain and other needs before choosing an office chair, depending on your situation.
A chair with proper back and lumbar support should be your number one priority, no matter what kind of arthritic pain you may be experiencing. Make sure the chairs are adjustable enough to fit your body type, and future-proof them in case you develop more pains in the future.
As for ergonomics, comfort, and adjustability, the NOUHAUS Ergo3D ergonomic office chair ticks all the boxes. If money isn’t an issue, we recommend the Steelcase Leap. In addition to all the features listed, they have an excellent warranty policy that ensures longevity.
Also Read: How long should an office chair last?
Reference