In the United States, around 24% of all adults–that’s 58.5 million people–have arthritis. Millions of people suffer from chronic pain daily that interferes with their everyday lives.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, simple things like typing or sitting at a desk for long periods can be incredibly challenging.
Desk jobs are demanding at the best of times, but there are tools that can help if you’ve noticed your pain worsening.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up five effective office tools that can help workers with arthritis. From ergonomic keyboards to wobble cushions, these simple, affordable solutions can make a world of difference.
If you suffer from chronic pain, always consult a medical professional for advice and treatment options.
Table of Contents
1. FlexiChair BackSupport Office Chair BS8
If you struggle with back pain, an office chair upgrade is a must. Around 50% of all US workers report having back pain each year, but it can be significantly worse if you have arthritis.
“The Independent published a report on the best ergonomic office chairs in 2022, and the FlexiChair BS8 was one of the top choices.” – Alison Lancaster from Pressat
It’s got an innovative ergonomic design that makes it great for anyone sitting for long periods of time, and the swing function gives better comfort and helps with posture.
Although this won’t prevent arthritis from flaring up, it can go a long way in easing aches and pains related to long work hours.
2. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop keyboard
Poorly designed keyboards can aggravate underlying conditions, such as arthritis and tendinitis. If you suffer from arthritis in your hands or wrists, a new keyboard could help lessen the pain during your work day.
“Not all keyboards are built equal, so for those with wrist pain, I’d suggest the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard. It puts far less strain on the wrists and allows you to type in a more natural way.” – Justin Chia from JustJooz
The Microsoft Sculpt comes with a mouse to maximize wrist comfort and a natural arc that follows the curve of your fingers. It can take a while to get used to the unusual design, but it can make a difference to wrist and hand pain.
3. iMedic Arthritis Gloves
Research has shown that compression gloves can improve circulation in the joints and reduce stiffness, which alleviates the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. But rather than having your hands taped up or wrapped all day, you can get compression gloves designed for arthritis.
“The iMedic arthritis gloves are incredibly popular on Amazon, with over 9000 reviews and a 4-star rating. The iMedic brand also has a great reputation on the platform, so they’re a great choice for office workers struggling with hand pain.” – Vova Even from VovaEvan
iMedic arthritis gloves have a fingerless design, perfect for typing, but provide the compression needed to alleviate pain. If you suffer from joint swelling or muscle stiffness, these could be the solution.
4. Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
A normal computer mouse isn’t designed for comfort, especially for those who suffer from arthritic pain. But there are a few options that can help if you spend long hours at a desk.
Next time you use your mouse, notice the strain you feel in your hand and wrist. It’s an unnatural position for your hand to stay locked in for any amount of time, which can worsen the pain associated with arthritis.
“The Logitech MX has a unique 57° angle that reduces pressure on the wrist and thumb. Think of it as a natural handshake position, rather than the stiff angle of a standard mouse.” – Vance Tran from Pointer Clicker
5. Balance Disc Wobble Cushion
If you suffer from hip or lower body pain, you’ve probably heard the advice to sit on a yoga ball instead of an office chair. Although yoga balls are great for improving core strength, and they can help prevent chronic pain from sitting in one position for hours at a time, they’re not very conspicuous, and they can get tiring quickly.
An alternative for office workers with arthritis is a balance disk wobble cushion. These are like the top slice of a yoga ball that you can put on your office chair. They give the same unstable feeling as a yoga ball, but they’re much more inconspicuous and can be taken off when you need a break.
Wobble cushions are great for alleviating hip and back pain and can help improve core strength as an added bonus.
The Best Solution for Workers with Arthritis
Everyone is different, so a gadget that works for someone with arthritis may not work for you. But it’s worth a try. If you have persistent pain and swelling in your hands or back from arthritis, give a couple of these gadgets a go and see if you notice a difference.
Remember, if you’re suffering from severe pain, consult a medical professional for expert advice on prevention and treatment options.