If you have arthritis, it’s likely that you have pain while sitting, especially if you have an office chair that isn’t ergonomic. Whether it’s pain in your knees or other joints, you’ll want to choose an office chair that gives you the support and comfort you need.
So when it comes to finding the right office chair for arthritic pain, it’s important to look at highly flexible options on the market. It should be designed to promote healthy posture and mitigate pain. So, if, for example, you have arthritic knees, you may need to be on the lookout for the seat adjustments and comfortability, and if it occurs in your back, be on the lookout for lumbar support.
We’ll review the 5 best office chairs for arthritis that we recommend if you’re suffering from it.
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Best Office Chairs for Arthritis in 2022
- NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair – Top Pick
- SIHOO Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair – Best Value
- Steelcase Leap – Premium Pick
- Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair – Best Small/Compact Choice
- BestOffice Mesh Computer Chair – Best Under $100
With extensive market research into what’s essential in a chair for arthritic pain, as well as in-depth testing, we found these to be the top choices for the best office chairs for arthritis.
Read on to find out which one might be best suited for your needs.
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Compare Our Top Picks
Pick Awarded | Chair Name | Warranty | Selling Points |
Top Pick | 3-5 Years Warranty |
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Best Value Pick | 3-Years Warranty |
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Premium Pick | 12-Years Warranty |
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Best Small/Compact Choice | 5-Year Warranty |
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Best Under $100 | 90-Days Warranty |
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For our top pick, we’ve chosen this ergonomic office chair from NOUHAUS for its excellent features that combat a variety of types of arthritic pains. While a little on the expensive side, this chair comes equipped with a lot of adjustability to get the ergonomic position that’s right for you. The design of the sitting area will help even against the most prominent arthritic pain, like the knees.
The seat size of 13” x 6.7” will allow most people to sit for a prolonged time. The most advantageous is the waterfall edge design on both the front and back of the seat. This will reduce the strain on your legs. Combined with a tilt of 135°, you will be able to sit at your preferred position while keeping your posture healthy.
It’s worth noting that the lumbar support is fixed, however, NOUHAUS offer a 3-dimensional lumbar support system. When testing, it hugged my back completely. It aligns your spine and reduces compression and pain. This in turn reduces fatigue during long hours at the desk.
Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the highly adjustable armrest. It allows adjustment in four-directions, allowing you to set your preferred height and direction. Perfect for positioning arms while you work. The headrest (13” x 6.7”) also adjusts, but only up and down, however that’s enough to support the neck no matter what position you sit it.
Overall, this chair is packed with features that help with arthritic pain at a great price point where often competitors offering office chairs at the same price lack some of them. With a weight capacity of 275 lbs, it’ll fit most people, even some heavier ones.
On a final note, it’s worth remembering that this chair comes with a 3-year warranty, which can be extended to 5 years based on individual preferences. This, in turn, shows the chair’s longevity and quality construction.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- Waterfall Edge Design
- 4D Adjustable Armrests
- Adjustable Lumbar System
- Dual Castors
- Adjustable Headrest
- Breathable ElastoMesh
- Heavy Duty
- Nice Design
- Easy Assembly
- Long Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 16.33” x W: 22.05” x H: 39.57”
- Chair Color: Multiple Colors (Black, Blue, Red, Grey)
- Tilt: 135°
- Headrest Size: 13” x 6.7”
- Armrest Size: 3.8” x 9.8”
- Seat Size: 19.7” x 16.3”
- Weight Capacity: 275lbs
- Chair Weight: 40lbs
PROS:
- 3-5 Years Warranty
- Highly Adjustable
- Quick Assembly
- Breathable Material
- Adequate Weight Capacity
- Ergonomic Design
- Blade Wheels
- Multiple Colors
CONS:
- May Be Pricey For Some
Next up for our best value pick is this fantastic ergonomic mesh office chair from SIHOO, which has been featured several times and consistently scored the best value. This chair comes packed with valuable features to combat arthritic pains and maintain a healthy posture. I consider it one of the best on the market in terms of features and price ratio.
Many parts are adjustable for your disposable to really tailor the chair to your personal preference. The headrest can be rotated 45 degrees and moved 3.9″ both up and down. The 3D armrests can be moved in 3 directions. 2.8″ up and down, 2.4″ forward and back, and rotated 34 degrees left and right. Giving you absolute control of the chair and preventing any neck pains.
The lumbar support is also highly adjustable compared to similar chairs on the market at the same price. This chair will offer great back support to combat back pains or simply keep your back from developing said pains in the first place. It can be adjusted 1.9″ up and down, plus 1.2″ front and back, which should be sufficient for most people.
This mesh back and mesh seat keeps air circulation for extra comfort. The high-quality mesh resists abrasion and transformation, making this high back desk chair suitable for long-day sitting of up to 8 hours. Because it features a mesh design, it’ll allow easy maintenance like washing it.
If this was not enough, it also comes with a 3-year warranty, and you can choose from the three available color combinations. Additionally, because of the seat’s design, it’ll also combat the most prominent arthritic pain like the knees. Finally, the weight capacity. It allows for up to 330 pounds of weight, which is more than most competitors offer and should reach a wider audience.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- 3-Way Armrests
- 2-Way Lumbar Support
- Adjustable Headrest
- High Back
- Tilt Function
- High Quality Material
- Long Warranty
- Comfortable
- Easy To Assemble
- Elegant Design
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 16.93” x W: 13.39” x H: 30.31”
- Chair Color: Black/Grey
- Headrest Adjustability: 45°, 3.9” Up/Down
- Armrest Height: 2.8” Up/Down
- Armrest Length: 2.4” Front/Back
- Armrest Rotation: 34°
- Tilt: 110°-126°
- Lumbar Adjustability: 1.9” Up/Down, 1.2” Front/Back
- Weight Capacity: 330lbs
- Chair Size: 41.6lbs
PROS:
- High Weight Capacity
- 3-Year Warranty
- Great Design
- Breathable Material
- Adjustable Headrest and Armrest
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Adjustable Seat Depth
- Highly Padded Seat
- Comfortable
CONS:
- May Be Pricey For Some
Our premium pick has gone to the well-known manufacturer Steelcase, this time their leap variant. It is specifically targeted at back pain, However, its highly adjustable seat allows it to be just as good at preventing or at least easing any arthritic pains you may have.
While on the topic of adjustability, this chair packs a lot of it. It’s worth checking out their
YouTube video explaining all of its features. The seat depth can be adjusted forward and back to have the perfect sitting position. This, in turn, is the biggest culprit in causing pains like arthritic knees. Therefore, having the ability to adjust is a very recommended feature. For best results, it’s recommended to have a distance of 2-3″ of space between the end of the seat and knees.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. When I tested it, I had complete reclining manipulation and tension control.
Some unique features include things like the lower back firmness control, which will help you keep your lower back flush with the back seat, keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle. Lumbar support is also included, which features a slider for easy up and down regulation. I found it to be excellent and could adjust it to fit me just right.
You can choose from a variety of color options, a whopping 16 of them, giving you the freedom of choice to be able to match it to your current lifestyle at home. The design itself is very stylish looking, making it stand out from the crowd.
Overall, suppose you have an extra buck to spare. In that case, you should definitely consider going for the Steelcase leap as it’ll last you for a long time, considering it’s from a very reputable manufacturer that offers a whopping 12-year warranty. The large seat, 15.75″ – 19.25″, and the large weight capacity of 400 pounds will support most people.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- High Quality
- Reputable Manufacturer
- Long Warranty
- Adjustable Seat and armrests
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Very Durable
- Curved Seat Design
- Elegant Design
- 100% Polyester
- High Weight Limit
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 25” x W: 27” x H: 43.5”
- Chair Color: Multiple Available (16 Color Combinations)
- Back Seat Size: H: 25” x L: 19.25”
- Seat Size: D: 15.75” – 18:75” x L: 19.25”
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 65 lbs
PROS:
- Highly Adjustable
- Very Comfortable
- 12-Years Warranty
- Lots Of Colors
- LiveBack Technology
- Pain Targeted
- Luxuries Design
- Well-Known Manufacturer
- Tilt Tension Control
- Flexible Seat Edge
CONS:
- Very Pricey
I’ve also decided to choose a small/compact chair for one of the picks, as many people don’t have much space for traditional office chairs. I’ve gone for the Mimoglad Ergonomic Desk Chair for the great combination of its design, price, and features. This little chair is just as good at targeting arthritic pain as many of its bigger counterparts.
Due to its price, it doesn’t come with as much adjustability. However, it does come with a highly adjustable lumbar support that can be moved up and down 5 cm. This is just as much as bigger chairs and will be adequate for most people. With the help of a lumbar, you will be able to sit in an ergonomic position for a long time without developing any pains.
Another selling point of this specific chair is comfort. Combining a high-density foam seat and its particular design curvature, I found it “encouraging me” to sit in a healthy position. This is very important if you have arthritis. The waterfall-edge design, with its flexibility, will ease pressure on your hips down to your knees, which is often the biggest culprit that causes pains in that area.
The design is very modern, and you have the choice of the two best-selling color combinations on the market right now. It comes in black and a frost white with black. Both offer excellent material quality, making the chair more “luxurious” than it looks.
These colors will also fit most house designs, so you don’t have to worry about looking out of place.
Overall, this little chair still packs quite a punch. It has essential features for arthritis pain and other helpful ones like the adjustable lumbar support. Even though the price is relatively low on this chair, it still comes with a long 5-year warranty and a large weight capacity of 300lbs, which is very good compared to competitors.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic
- Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Thick Padded Back and Seat
- Comfortable
- Breathable Material
- Adjustable Headrest
- Adjustable Armrests
- High Weight Capacity
- Compact
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Affordable
- Modern Design
- Long Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 25” x W: 25” x H: 30”
- Chair Color: All Black or Black and White
- Adjustable Lumbar Support: 5cm Up/Down
- Flip-Up Armrests: 90°
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Swivel: 360°
- Chair Weight: 29.2lbs
PROS:
- 5-Year Warranty
- Large Load Capacity
- Highly Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Low Price
- Small Form Factor
- High Density Foam Seat
- Very Comfortable
- Ergonomic Sitting
CONS:
- Doesn’t Have a High Back
- Not Much Adjustability
For our last pick, it’s the most affordable out of the bunch, coming from BestOffice. The chair comes with the most basic features but still maintains the very ergonomic seat design for comfort and sitting posture and, most importantly, is ideal for arthritis. However, the chair does lack many adjustable features compared to higher-priced chairs.
An adjustable lumbar support is present if you need it for a healthy spine curvature. The lumbar will flex depending on the pressure and morph into a comfortable and pleasant sitting experience. Another flexible option is the armrests, which can be flipped up to save space.
The seat offers a high-density sponge and good elastic to enable a long sitting time without compromises. It also helps promote a comfortable seated position. Like all chairs mentioned, this one also comes with a specially designed seat to reduce the stress on your legs and knees. Another nice-to-have is the breathable mesh material to decrease sweating impact when using the chair for longer periods.
The chair comes in different color variants to pick from, enabling you to choose the one that’s right for you and your lifestyle. It’s worth mentioning that the colors only change for the back mesh and not the chair itself. We have more options if you’re looking for similarly priced chairs here.
Overall, this chair is great if you’re trying to save some money. The chair does look a little cheap in terms of the material, and that’s why they only offer a 90-day warranty; just something to look out for when picking this chair. It’s also worth mentioning it has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
Read more: Best office chairs under $100
KEY FEATURES:
- Affordable
- Multiple Colors
- Ergonomic
- Lumbar Support
- High Density Sponge
- Small
- Breathable Mesh
- Easy Assembly
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Adequate Weight Capacity
- Tilt Tension Control
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Chair Size: D: 24.6” x W: 25.4” x H: 42.3”
- Chair Color: Multiple Available (6 Combinations)
- Recline: 90° – 120°
- Lumbar Support: Fixed
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
- Chair Weight: 26 lbs
PROS:
- Small/Compact
- Affordable
- Flip-Up Armrests
- Good Weight Capacity
- High Density Foam
- Breathable Mesh Fabric
- Tilt Tension
- Fast Assembly
- Relining
CONS:
- 90-Days Warranty
How We Decided
Arthritis can be a pain to live with, so buying a chair designed to alleviate the problem is a must. There are many things that a chair can do to reduce the pain and make sitting comfortably for long periods. With the research gathered, I’ve ensured that included chairs have outstanding ergonomics, adjustability, and comfort.
The chair must provide you with proper posture at all times by enabling your spine to have a natural s-curve and lumbar support. Even the design of the seat itself can have a significant impact on strain and pain. I’ve ensured that included office chairs have the best ergonomic properties possible.
All chairs included have outstanding adjustable capabilities. That’s because, during my research and testing, adjustability was the single most crucial thing when it came to arthritis. Being able to customize the chair to exactly your specifications reduced the pain caused by arthritis while seated and even improved it away from the chair itself.
While comfort is vital in any chair, I’ve found it extra important for people who have arthritis. We’ve found that lack of good padding caused arthritis to worsen and even develop pain in several other areas. Chairs included in this article have multiple layered padding so that you can sit comfortably for long periods.
Things To Consider When Buying an Office Chair for Arthritis
Adjustability
Adjustability is considered the most important thing to look for when buying an office chair for arthritis. Because there are so many places arthritis can occur, the chair must be highly customizable to sit in the most comfortable position possible. However, if arthritis is already present, you may go for a chair that’s only adjustable in that specific place; for example, if it’s your back, go for something like a highly flexible lumbar support.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the chair itself are also important. When buying an office chair for arthritis, look for the natural s-curve back seat and lumbar support to maximize sitting posture. The curvature of the seat and design is also a thing to consider. This is because of other arthritis that can appear from the hips down. An ergonomic seat will ease any pain in areas like the knees because of the reduced strain.
Weight Capacity
While weight capacity isn’t so relevant to arthritis, it’s essential that the chair can support your weight. When buying an office chair, make sure you have some weight buffer, as prolonged sitting can deteriorate the hold of the hydraulic gas lift.
Seat Comfort
Finally, seat comfort. Office chairs are designed to be used for long periods. You must look for a long-lasting foam that won’t wear off after a couple of months. This is also where a good warranty comes in; as usual, the longer the warranty, the better that chair is expected to perform.
Pros and Cons Of Office Chairs for Arthritis
Pros
- Comfort – Chairs designed for arthritis tend to be made with comfort as a top priority for obvious reasons. People who have arthritis need comfort to be able to use the chair for as long as people without these pains.
- Value – You will receive a lot more features that are much more customizable than the traditional ones. This is because the user needs total control of the chair to sit in the optimal position.
- Ergonomic – Again, chairs designed around the idea of arthritic pain will be more ergonomic and promote healthy posture around the whole body. In turn, this won’t only help with arthritis but also prevent other illnesses from creeping up.
Cons
- Price – Price will tend to be on the more expensive side due to all the features needed to suppress any joint pains the user may have. More features will cost more money to produce, and you will have to dig deeper into your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the arthritic pain you have and what other needs you may have, it’s essential to assess them before choosing an office chair. However, no matter what arthritic pain you may have, a chair that provides proper back and lumbar support should be a top priority. Ensure that the chairs have plenty of adjustabilities to fit your body type, and future-proof them should you develop more pains.
Ultimately, we recommend the NOUHAUS Ergo3D ergonomic office chair as it ticks all the boxes in terms of ergonomics, comfort, and adjustability. We encourage you to get the Steelcase Leap if money isn’t an issue. They go above and beyond on all mentioned features and have an excellent warranty policy ensuring longevity.
We hope that this review has helped you pick the right chair and encourage you to drop a comment or email with any questions you may have.
FAQs
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the tenderness and swelling in your joints and it affects a significant amount of people. It’s also important to remember that arthritic pain can occur in any joint in your body, most commonly in areas such as your lower back and knees.
Is there more than one type of arthritis?
What makes a chair suitable for arthritis?
Is weight capacity important when considering an office chair for arthritis?
How We Review: Our Office Chair Ratings Methodology
At Overheard on Conference Calls, we take pride in how we review office chairs. Our team of office chair experts spend hours researching and reviewing dozens of products before they even start writing their review or article. Our goal is to bring you honest and unbiased information to help you make an informed choice that will be the best for you. Our recommendations are not for sale and they are not influenced by any of the manufacturers we review.
When reviewing an office chair, there are numerous factors we analyze to determine our recommendations. Here are our four most important:
- Comfort: Comfort is key to a good office chair. It’s likely you’ll be sitting in it for hours so you’ll want something that won’t cause you aches and pains after hours of use. We gauge comfort by testing for 4+ hours as well as looking at the thickness of the seat cushion and its material.
- Durability: Not all office chairs are built the same. Our durability factor looks at the quality of the materials and how sturdy the chair is after assembly. Because we have a limited tested period, we also conduct customer research of longtime users.
- Lumbar Support: While this is an ergonomic feature, we made this its own separate rating factor because of how important it is to your overall posture, health, and comfort. We analyze each chair for its lumbar support or lack thereof.
- Ergonomic Features: In addition to lumbar support, we also look at other ergonomic features such as the armrests, height adjustment, reclining, seat ergonomics, and more. The better it is for your ergonomics and the more features/adjustability, the better.
Why isn’t price included on that list? Fair question! We do consider price in the order of our recommendations but because everyone has their own budget in mind, we won’t rule a chair in or out just because it has premium or budget price.
Our team has researched and reviewed hundreds of chairs and we’re confident in our recommendations. We strive to only recommend the best products and we periodically refresh our reviews and rankings.
