Prolonged Sitting and Arthritis

We know that prolonged sitting is bad for everyone’s health. However, extended sitting can be even more harmful for people with arthritic conditions. Although there are more than 100 forms of arthritis, the two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between joints begins to wear down causing joint stiffness and discomfort. OA is generally limited to specific areas of the body, like knees. People with OA experience painful, tender joints, especially after periods of inactivity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, but can also impact the other areas of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

As with OA, the joint stiffness that’s a hallmark of the RA tends to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Therefore, sedentary habits, like sitting for hours at a desk, can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to even greater swelling and joint problems.

Because it’s helpful for people with RA to keep moving throughout the day, those with desk jobs benefit from using an adjustable-height desk that allows them to stand during the day. Of course, we know that standing all day can also have negative health consequences, too.

LeanRite - Just What the Doctor Ordered

That’s where the LeanRite standing desk chair comes in. It's just what the doctor ordered! The LeanRite can be used as a traditional seat, but it can also be raised and lowered with an adjustable-height desk to serve as a stool or perch. The LeanRite provides lumbar support for users who choose to stand or lean and its embedded anti-fatigue mat provides just the right blend of comfort and support for feet, knees, and backs.

The LeanRite provides unparalleled freedom of movement without leaving the workstation.

Move It or Lose It

People with joint pain often have a strong impulse to stay still. Who wants to to move when activity seems to cause pain? The truth is, though, that it’s crucial for people with stiff joints to remain active. General movement and targeted exercises will help build the muscles around the joints and strengthen bones, ultimately providing relief or keeping the condition in check.

A Closer Look

If a person sits too long at their desk all day not only will their joints get stiff but their muscles will shorten. Muscle tightness can also increase stress on the joints which will then in-turn increase the pain in those joints affected by RA or OA.

For example, sitting puts the hip flexor muscles or the muscles at the front of the thigh in a shortened position. If you sit too long the hip flexor muscles get tight which leads to pain upon standing. This tightness in the front of the hips can cause strain on the low back due to a change in posture in a standing position.

The LeanRite is the ideal sit-stand office chair to help people alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day thereby helping all muscle groups in the body remain flexible and in a lengthened state.

If you suspect that you have RA or OA, a visit to a medical professional, such as a rheumatologist or physical therapist, may be in order to determine the extent of your condition and to suggest appropriate treatment, including exercise plans.