How to Manage Arthritis at Work: 4 Ways to Help with Arthritis at the Office

Aches, pains, the inability to do the things you once did because your joints don’t move quite as well now; these are all symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis can impact every part of your life.  Making the bed becomes something you have to schedule for when others are around.  Getting up and down the stairs becomes difficult, so you have to move into a single-story home.  You can no longer use a computer because your fingers are too stiff and sore. Sitting or standing for any length of time brings almost unbearable pain to your hips and knees.

The impact of arthritis as you go about your activities of daily living can be significant, but it can be an even bigger impact at work.

What can you do to make things more manageable?

Arthritis Today:

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 54.4 million adults, aged 18 years and older, have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, about 22.7-percent of the American population.  Of those, 23.7 million (or 43.5 percent) with arthritis report having arthritis-related limitations in activities of daily living.

But what is arthritis?

There are actually two types of arthritis:  rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While they have similar symptoms, the biggest difference between the two has to do with how it starts.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joints, including injuries and aging.  Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain and, eventually, joint deformity.  For each, there are different treatments and remedies, but the bottom line is that arthritis, in whatever form, limits your ability to live life without pain.

Arthritis and Work:

Unfortunately, those with arthritis face serious issues when it comes to working.  Arthritis is one of those diseases with no outward symptoms, at least in the beginning.  Rheumatoid arthritis may start out with the invisible aches and pains in your joints, but as the disease progresses, fingers and toes start to become deformed and walking becomes more difficult.

A recent survey in the UK shows how difficult it can be: “_Despite 97-percent of people with RA \[rheumatoid arthritis\] feeling that they are being more open about their condition at work, a rising number of employers still do not understand the illness and its symptoms_.”

But there are things you can do to make your workplace and your working situation more comfortable.

Tips for Working with Arthritis

Here are some tips for dealing with your arthritis at work from the Arthritis Foundation:

Be honest with your boss and HR.  At the time of diagnosis, or when you start with a company, let your boss know about your arthritis.  Then, talk with human resources. If they’re made aware of your situation, they won’t be surprised when you call off sick because you’re having a flare-up.  NOTE: By law, you’re not required to disclose your illness, so don’t feel that you have to. Make a list of “must-haves.”  By law, accommodations for your limitations must be made by your company, under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Of course, be reasonable.  Do you need to have your desk closer to the restroom?  Ask about flexible work hours or the ability to work from home for part or all of your week.  Other accommodations can include certain types of chairs, standing desks, more frequent breaks, later start time, and so on. Don’t be “brave.” If you’re not feeling well, if your joints are aching because it’s raining or cold outside, if you’ve reached your pain tolerance limit, let your boss know.  Go home, or go somewhere you can put your feet up. Lead with your ideas.  Don’t just tell your boss and HR about your arthritis and leave it to them to make changes.  Come with ideas on how the workplace can be adjusted to accommodate your situation. Most companies allow employees to work from home with flexible schedules.   Start by having a conversation with your boss and see where the conversation leads.

Dealing with arthritis in the workplace can be draining, tiring, and painful.  But with preparation and open communication, you can make the best of the situation and end up in a more sustainable environment.