*हिंदी में पढ़ें: गठिया के साथ जीवन: काम और स्वास्थ्य के बीच संतुलन कैसे बनाएं
Daily tasks may become progressively challenging for people with arthritis, especially for working adults. Chronic joint pain impacts mobility, consequently affecting productivity, concentration, competence, and overall quality of life. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis – both can lead to stiffness, pain, and fatigue, which can make work feel more demanding.
However, there are several management strategies that can help alleviate arthritis symptoms, allowing many working individuals to stay active, maintain their productivity, and focus on their health, all at the same time.
In this blog, we are going to discuss how arthritis may affect your work life, and explore some tips that will help you efficiently manage your personal as well as professional life, despite chronic pain.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in one or more joints, which leads to stiffness, severe pain, swelling, and redness. ‘Arthritis’ is an umbrella term for several types of joint and connective tissue conditions. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affecting millions every day.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): This is a degenerative joint disease characterised by damage caused to joints because of natural wear and tear over time. It commonly affects knees, hips, and hands. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain in the affected joints, along with a decrease in range of motion.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system starts attacking joint tissues. This can cause joint pain (symmetrically on both sides of the body), fatigue, and extreme morning stiffness. RA typically affects small joints such as wrists and fingers, which can make routine & fine motor tasks such as writing and typing feel tiresome.
How Does Arthritis Affect Work Life?
Severe joint pain can significantly impact your productivity and overall performance at work.
- Physical limitations: Pain in joints can restrict the range of motion, causing difficulty in typing, lifting, or standing for continuous periods.
- Pain episodes: Sudden pain flare-ups may interrupt important tasks, or you may require frequent breaks.
- Fatigue: Arthritis-induced inflammation results in low energy levels and poses concentration challenges.
- Emotional stress: The emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and frustration that accompany arthritis pain can impact the quality of work.
- Decrease in mobility: Stiff joints may reduce walking or travel abilities.
Tips for Managing Arthritis at the Workplace
Some practical adjustments and lifestyle changes can help manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall productivity.
- Diligently follow your prescribed medication routine to control symptoms
- Apply heat packs to reduce pain and stiffness
- Keep your desk at a comfortable height to lessen strain on your waist
- Break big tasks into smaller modules
- Stretch between tasks, move joints, take breaks
- Take up remote work opportunities (if possible) to better accommodate pain episodes
- Use seats with lumbar support
- Use voice-to-text software if you have pain in your fingers or wrists
- Use knee, wrist, and elbow braces
- Communicate your arthritis-related needs with your supervisors and subordinates
- Ask for reasonable adjustments to your role & responsibilities, if needed
Tips for Managing Arthritis Outside the Workplace
- Eat a balanced diet
- Apply ice to sore joints after work
- Practise meditation after long work hours
- Schedule regular physiotherapy appointments
- Seek counselling & join arthritis support groups
- Avoid trigger foods
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get adequate sleep
- Incorporate arthritis-friendly workouts in your daily routine
- Consider joint replacement surgery (for knees & hips) if nothing else works
If you or anyone you know is suffering from arthritis and is struggling with chronic joint pain, you must schedule a visit with an expert who can help alleviate symptoms, maintain overall well-being, and improve productivity. Book an appointment at Sohana Hospital and consult the best orthopaedic doctors in Punjab.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still work if I have arthritis?
Yes, if your arthritis is properly managed with appropriate medication, ergonomic working conditions, and ample medical & emotional support, you can definitely continue to work.
2. How to manage arthritis pain during work hours?
Try to take frequent short breaks, stretch your joints, heat stiff joints, ice sore joints, and reduce workload (if possible) to manage pain during work hours.
3. Is it compulsory to inform my boss about arthritis?
No, you are not required to disclose your personal medical diagnosis to your employer. However, if your condition significantly impacts your productivity, it might be advisable to inform your employer so they can make relevant adjustments to your role and responsibilities, consequently making your everyday job easier.
4. Can diet have an impact on productivity?
Yes, if you incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and completely avoid all kinds of trigger foods, your symptoms may remain under control, thus improving competence, focus, and productivity at work.