7 Best Office Chairs to Improve Circulation for the Feet and Legs

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7 Best Office Chairs to Improve Circulation for the Feet and Legs

Whether you work in a home office or a highrise, sitting in an office chair for hours can damage your legs and feet.  No one likes to look down and see their feet swollen like giant puffer fish!  And it isn’t comfortable either.  I have searched to find just the right office chair to help me improve my leg circulation and thought I’d share my findings, so let’s talk about the best office chair for edema!

What is Edema Anyway?

Edema is just a fancy word for swelling.  This swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs happens when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) leak fluid.  Extra fluid means extra plumping.  And the fluid travels south according to gravity, hence swollen legs, ankles, and feet.  I’m not a doctor, and my explanation may be less than technical, so here’s a LINK to a real explanation from the Mayo Clinic about swelling in the lower extremities.

Sitting too long in one position puts you at risk for edema, blood clots, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and even poor posture!  Gasp!  Unless you wish to use a standing desk, a viable option for some, having a comfortable and attractive desk chair for those long hours in the office is critical to blood circulation, comfort, and good health!

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How Can I Prevent Edema?

The first and most important thing you can do to prevent edema is to keep moving.  Poor circulation is one of the leading causes of edema and leg swelling.  The longer we sit in one spot or position, the more likely we’ll swell.  So here are a few tips to help you.

1 – Get up and move around at least once every hour.  I need to practice what I preach.  This one is hard for me.  But it’s good for swelling and keeps the leg muscles working throughout the day.  You can program most smartwatches to remind you every hour that it’s time to move. 

2 – Drink plenty of water.  Yup.  It seems like water solves so many things.  Good news!  Drinking water is free and easy.  Time to up the water intake!

3 – Don’t cross your feet or legs.  I don’t cross my legs much, but I almost ALWAYS have my ankles crossed (she types as she uncrosses her ankles).  Even with a desk footrest, keeping my ankles uncrossed throughout a long day is hard.  But that doesn’t stop me from trying!  Old habits may be hard to break, but it can be done – one uncross at a time!

4 – Use a comfortable chair with good lumbar support.  Do you spend long periods in your office chair?  I know I do.  Office workers spend a great deal of time sitting in office chairs, contributing to health issues besides leg pain and swelling.  So at the very least, we can choose a comfortable chair for our work environment.  So I’ve searched to upgrade my chair and can now share my recommendations for the best office chairs for edema.

My Top 7 Office Chairs to Improve Edema

1 – My Top Pick

Powerstone Gaming Chair

Let’s start with my very top pick.  I chose this chair because of the affordable price tag and the many color options available.  I love that it comes in PINK, y’all!!!  But if pink doesn’t make your blood flow, you can choose white, blue, or red. 

In addition to the fabulous color choices, this chair comes with adjustable armrests, a massage feature in the lumbar area, and a pull-out footrest.  You can also remove the pillow near the head or tip the chair back for a more comfortable resting or meditating position.  Or take a wee siesta while you’re tipping back.  Every office environment should have a comfortable option for a few minutes of relaxation during the day.

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For under $200, this chair packs a powerful punch.  70% of users give it a five-star rating on Amazon, and I don’t know about you, but I love it when I see other people loving it!  My favorite feature of this chair (other than the pink) is that it holds a max body weight of 350 lbs.  So if you’re extra curvy like me, or if you like to snuggle with the kids or grandkids while you’re working, this chair can take it!

2 – Best Budget Chair

Noblewell Ergonomic Office Chair

You can’t beat the pricing on this comfortable office chair.  Your desk job will be more comfortable for just over $100 and a little elbow grease.  Reviewers report that it is easy to assemble and can be ready from box to seat in 10-15 minutes!

I like the mesh fabric on the back and seat of the chair, which keeps air circulation moving, an essential feature for this middle-aged (and sometimes sweaty) woman.  The headrest, lumbar support, armrests, and back support are all adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit!

3 – Best Sleek & Stylish Chair

The NOUHAUS +Posture Ergonomic PU Leather Office Chair

This chair is as beautiful as it is comfortable.  Covered in PU leather, the chair has a feminine and classy look.  But what is PU Leather?  It is a synthetic material made to look like leather.  PU leather is polyurethane, and you will often find it on furniture and shoes.  I like to call it “pleather.”  With proper care and light use, this chair will last, and you get the joy of knowing that no cows died while covering your furniture.

The chair comes in black, taupe, or white with silver trim and offers adjustable lumbar support, which is excellent for lower back pain, and arms that flip up when you don’t need them.  The chair has a rocking tilt feature, so you can gently rock while you work or lock that feature if you want to be supported while sitting straight up.

The seat height of this chair ranges from 18.7-22.4 inches, which makes this chair great for people of various heights and can be adjusted easily with the gas lift knob.  And it looks great in your office!

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4 – Best Chair for Posture

Dragonn by VIVO Ergonomic Kneeling Chair

Do you like to stand out from the crowd?  This chair will help you with that.  With its unique styling, you’ll have no choice but to sit tall on this unique chair.  Both parts of this seat come with a three-inch cushion, so your knees and backside are well-supported.

But before you buy, beware!  This chair and its unusual ergonomic design will have you sitting in a new way, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to this new posture.  It feels different and looks different, but it will help you improve your posture.

The chair has four casters, so it is movable just like any regular office chair, and if you can adjust to a different body position for your everyday sitting, it’s an excellent choice for your office!  This chair would also work great for the person who stands at an adjustable height desk and is looking for an occasional seat with the desk lowered.

Pink background with "Hip Grandma Merch" available on front

5 – Most Adjustable Chair

SAMOFU Ergonomic Office Chair with Foot Rest

If you want adjustable, this is the chair for you!  The chair has a high back with a liftable and tiltable backrest, adjustable lumbar support and headrest, and adjustable seat height.  You can also adjust the depth of your seat.  And if that is not enough, then consider the retractable footrest!  You can tip back, slide your bum forward, and put your feet up!  No need to plop them on your desk with this unique chair!

This chair is rated for a maximum weight of 300 lbs and also features a waterfall seat design, which means the seat is slanted downward, offering support to your thighs and backs of the knees.  The mesh design keeps air circulating, too!  This chair is a sure winner!

6 – Sturdiest Chair for the Curvy Sitter

Serta Big and Tall Executive Office Chair

I call this the Cadillac chair because it is just so classy looking.  If you’re a curvy girl like me or need a chair that can accommodate a taller sitter, look no further!  This chair is an excellent choice for either or both.  With a maximum weight rating of 350 pounds, this chair will work great regardless of your body type.

This chair has individually pocketed coils in the seat that will offer unsurpassed comfort.  The ergonomic height and tilt adjustments will help you find a position that provides maximum comfort.  Of course, all that comfort might make it hard for you to get up and move around every hour!  I suppose that’s the price you pay for a good ergonomic chair. 

7 – Simplest Office Chair

Modway Jive Ribbed High Back Tall Executive Swivel Office Chair

If you don’t like all the fancy stuff on your chair, and the minimal look is for you, then you’ll love this office chair.  This chair features a high back, adjustable height, lumbar support, and a sweet variety of modern colors.  It is simple and does its job!  Why let your chair get all the attention when you’re the diva sitting in it?  Shouldn’t the attention be on you?

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Wrapping It All Up

No matter which new office chair you pick, make it a point to get up and move around while you’re working!  Not only is it good for your legs and feet, but it’s also great for your mind!  And while you’re up, take a moment to drink some water!

Do you sit in an office chair at work?  What is your favorite feature?  Please tell me in the comments or on our Facebook group

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PIN image for the best chairs for Edema showing a woman rubbing her feet

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