Best Recliner for Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages but is more frequently seen in older adults due to the natural ageing process or past injuries. Some forms of arthritis are also linked to autoimmune conditions or genetic factors. It can affect any joint, but is most common in the:
- Hands & wrists
- Knees
- Hips
- Feet and Ankles
- Shoulders
- Lower Back (lumbar spine)
Living with arthritis can make everyday activities more challenging, especially tasks that involve standing, walking, or rising from a seated position. For this reason, choosing the right supportive furniture can make a significant difference in comfort and quality of life.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but the most common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. These symptoms are often chronic and may worsen with age, physical activity or changes in the weather. In some cases, arthritis can lead to visible swelling, reduced joint movement, and a grating or clicking sensation when moving the affected area.
Many people with arthritis also experience:
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint
- Warmth or redness in the affected joints
- Fatigue, particularly in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis
- Muscle weakness around the joints
- Loss of joint function over time
These symptoms can be persistent and severely impact a person's ability to carry out everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, preparing meals, or simply getting in and out of a chair. Left unmanaged, arthritis can lead to debilitating, life-altering discomfort and loss of independence.
However, symptoms can be managed effectively with the help of healthcare professionals, appropriate medication, therapies, physical aids, and lifestyle adjustments, such as a healthy diet and gentle exercise. One important aid for many people living with arthritis is the use of a specialist riser recliner chair.
The right riser recliner chair can help reduce pain and stiffness by providing lumbar support, pressure relief, and ergonomic positioning that reduces strain on the joints. These chairs are particularly useful for individuals who experience mobility issues as a result of arthritis, as they assist with safe and gentle sitting and standing, helping to maintain independence and reduce the risk of injury.
Types of Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. The most common types of arthritis include:
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Those with psoriasis might also develop psoriatic arthritis as they age. Some of the main symptoms are swollen fingers or toes, nail discolouration or tiny dents in nails, and feeling drained of energy. Symptoms can appear worse in the morning but can improve with exercise and medicine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body's immune system which targets affected joints, leading to pain and swelling. The outer covering of the joint is affected and can spread across the joint, leading to change in the joint's shape. Problems with tissues and organs in the body can be affected by RA. Usually, RA affects those aged 30-50 years old, and women are more affected by this condition than men.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, developing in people in their mid 40's or older. It generally appears in women and people with a family history of the condition. This type of arthritis affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, making movement more difficult than usual. The cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, and the tendons and ligaments are forced to work harder. Pain and stiffness are some of the main symptoms of Osteoarthritis among swelling and the formation of bony spurs (osteophytes).
The most commonly affected joints are located in the:
- hands
- spine
- knees
- hips
Other Related Conditions
- Fibromyalgia - causes pain in the body's tendons, ligaments and muscles
- Gout - a type of arthritis that is caused by too much uric acid in the body. It can develop in any joint, causing intense pain, redness and swelling
- Ankylosing spondylitis - an inflammatory disease that can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse together. It also affects muscles and ligaments, creating swelling around the tendons, eyes, and large joints.
- Cervical spondylosis - can also be referred to as degenerative osteoarthritis. This affects the joints and bones in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Reactive arthritis - develops shortly after an infection of the gut, bowel or throat, causing pain and swelling of the joints, fatigue, and sore eyes.
Choosing the Best Chair for Arthritis
When selecting a recliner chair for someone living with arthritis, comfort alone is not enough. The right chair must actively support the body, reduce strain on joints, and help to promote ease of movement throughout the day. Here some of the key features to look for when choosing the best recliner for arthritis.
Ergonomic Design
An ergonomic chair is one that supports the natural curves and movements of the body. For people with arthritis, this can make a significant difference to daily comfort and independence. Look for chairs that offer tailored adjustments to the seat depth, back angle, and arm positioning, as this can help to reduce pressure on inflamed joints and make sitting and standing easier. A well-designed chair will work with the body rather than against it.
Seat Height
Seat height plays a crucial role in how easy it is to get in and out of a chair. If the seat is too low, it can place added strain on the knees and hips, particularly for those with arthritis in the lower limbs. A chair with adjustable seat height or a rise and recline function can make standing more manageable and less painful, allowing the user to maintain greater independence at home.
Comfort
Comfort should never be compromised, but it must go beyond soft cushioning. The best recliner chairs for arthritis offer layered, pressure-relieving padding that provides both softness and support. Look for high-quality foam or memory foam that conforms gently to the body without flattening over time. Fabric choice also matters – breathable, tactile materials that are gentle on the skin add to the overall comfort experience.
Posture Support
Good posture can help to relieve stress on the spine and joints, which is particularly beneficial for people with arthritis. A chair that promotes upright, balanced sitting can help to reduce muscle fatigue and prevent the slumping that often leads to pain. Features such as lumbar support, contoured backrests, and correctly positioned armrests all play a part in helping to maintain proper alignment while seated.
Pain Relief
A chair that supports the body well can contribute to a noticeable reduction in pain. Heated seat options, massage functions and pressure management features are all worth considering for those dealing with daily discomfort. Rise and recline mechanisms are especially valuable, as they allow the user to change position easily throughout the day, helping to relieve pressure and improve circulation.
Our Recliner Chairs
Harlem Porter
Our versatile porter chair designed to support conditions with severe or involuntary movement, ataxic movements, and aching joints.
Boston
Extremely comfortable healthcare porter chair that provides user with independent movement. Includes a Tilt-in-Space mechanism, backrest recline and leg rest elevation functions which enable a range of postural positions and high-level pressure management care.
Brooklyn
Ideal for 24-hour postural care programmes, our Brooklyn porter chair offers all the benefits of a healthcare recliner with additional versatility. Includes lockable castors, D-rings and footplate for portering.
C-Air
Built to an individual's specific requirements with enhanced pressure management features, our C-air chair is ideal for any healthcare environment.
Multi Flex
Versatile porter chair designed for comfort and safety of users with pressure management options.
Henley
Features our best-selling waterfall back with a wooden knuckle arm design, providing a steadier grip.
Chepstow
Made with deep lateral cushions that hold the back in a comfortable central position.
Chester
Offering luxury padded lateral support, our Chester riser recliner chair is a snug and comfortable option for those with arthritis.
Trio
Unparalleled flexibility for chair customisation - 3 choices of mechanisms, most popular back styles available, range of domestic fabrics and more.
FAQs for Best Recliner for Arthritis
For hip and knee pain, the ideal chair would be a riser recliner chair that can assist mobility and enhance comfort. You will want to look at riser recliner chairs with motorised mechanisms to help with the transition of movement - i.e sitting, standing and reclining. Ideally, you should select a chair that helps reduce strain on your joints, improves posture, makes re-positioning easy and also enhances circulation.