We all want to feel that our contributions to the world are worthwhile and beneficial. Whether it be through employment, charity labor, or artistic endeavors, working may contribute to our sense of fulfillment. People who suffer from inflammatory arthritis sometimes have to quit their jobs if its severity is high and has become unbearable. Some people with arthritis may go to work even when they are in pain, which can negatively impact their productivity. Nonetheless, many people with arthritis may have fulfilling and successful careers with just a few adjustments.
Here are some of the expert-suggested tips to manage arthritic pain at work while staying productive equal to other employees:
| Activity | Tips for Staying Productive at Work With Chronic Pain of Arthritis |
| Keep moving and changing your healthy posture | To stay active, avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Change positions every 30 minutes if feasible. Set a computer timer sound to remind you to get up and walk about. Diversify tasks, avoid monotonous tasks, stand while talking on the phone, walk to teammates for quick interaction instead of sending them emails, and take a 10-minute walk after lunch or prior to or following work. |
| Plan your activities | On an hourly basis, stretch and do basic exercises for range of motion (e.g., side bending, shoulder flexion, wrist movement, neck flexion and extension, etc.). Try out stretching activities like stretching to reach the top shelf or dropping a pen and picking it up. Every forty minutes, get up and take 30 to 40 steps; even a quick stroll down the hall or to the restroom can help. |
| Self care | To keep your condition under control by taking prescription drugs as advised by your doctor. Adopt a balanced, healthful diet plan. Make a plan for the day and give priority to the things that are most essential. Allocate time for activities you truly like. Engage in pain-relieving activities like swimming, walking, or cycling on a regular basis. Wear comfy sneakers for your commute and change to dress shoes only for work. To stay refreshed, adhere to healthy sleeping patterns. Steer clear of electronic devices for an hour before bed and an hour after getting out of bed. |
| Manage your fatigue | Find a quiet spot at work where you can take a quick break (e.g., lie down on a mat for two to five minutes). Activate a timer or reminder for rest time. Give yourself at least one 15 to 20-minute break each day, particularly at the time you typically feel most exhausted. Pace up work—spread out physically taxing tasks over the day instead of doing them in a single sitting. |
| Strategise your work | If at all feasible, participate in conferences and meetings via teleconference, which allows you to adjust your posture or lie down if necessary. If you work solo, plan uninterrupted time for conferences or meetings. If the meeting is longer than an hour, let them know in advance that you will sometimes change positions. |
| Walk & talk | To lessen the pressure on your hands, neck, and shoulders, wear a headset. If at all feasible, move around while you're on the phone. |
| Include ergonomics solutions for arthritis in your workplace | If you have severe hand arthritis, you may choose to use speech recognition software to type. Limit time-consuming activities by switching work or taking regular breaks. Select a comfy chair and an ergonomic keyboard for your workspace. While typing, use wrist supports. To prevent needless joint tension, pay attention to your posture and use good mechanics. Verify the proper height and placement of the desk, chair, computer display, and phone. |
| Lift and bend safely | Depending on joint concerns, get individual lifting advice from an expert. If your hands hurt, lift something with both hands or your forearms. Go close to the object to lift it. To safeguard your back, keep your spine straight and contract your abdominal muscles while lifting. When lifting weights, never twist or bend with a rounded back; instead, use your legs and hips. |
| Take planned work-offs | Make smart use of vacation time. Taking sporadic half-days or full days off might help to boost energy levels while preventing flare-ups. |
| Ask for support from the employer and colleagues | The severity of your condition, the demands of your job, and workplace assistance all affect the continuity of your job. Talking about your needs can help you and your employer come up with workable solutions. If necessary, ask for acceptable adjustments; this typically increases output and decreases sick leaves. Modified responsibilities, flexible scheduling, part-time choices, work-from-home arrangements, task sharing, or beginning later in the day when mornings are challenging are a few of the adjustments that can simplify the working conditions without impacting productivity. |
| Get expert help | Consult your healthcare team (doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or vocational counsellor) to help create a work plan or adaptation strategy |
Some natural strategies to relieve arthritis pain involve staying active, managing your weight, and making dietary adjustments. Some alternative therapies may also assist in increasing flexibility or reducing stiffness. A treatment plan can help alleviate discomfort, slow down the progression of disease, and enhance your quality of life.
If arthritis interferes with your work productivity and everyday activities, consult a healthcare expert. They may be able to assist you in developing the best management strategy for your needs. People with arthritis may live full, active, and purposeful lives while staying productive at the workplace with early diagnosis and treatment. Make your hard work visible, not your pain.
Get expert personalised guidance from Dr. Ishwar Bohra, a top orthopedic specialist in Delhi. Book your consultation now!
Q1: Which pain reliever is best to manage the pain of arthritis when you are at work?
A: Over-the-counter (OTC) arthritic pain treatments may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in the form of tablets or creams. In severe cases, immunotherapy and corticosteroids can provide pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Q2: How can you prevent arthritis from worsening?
A: Following your treatment plan is the most effective approach to prevent arthritis from worsening. This might involve taking medicines on time, engaging in regular workouts and stretches, meditating, and having a well-balanced diet.
Q3: How can you treat an arthritic flare-up?
A: Resting your joints, applying heat and ice packs, and using over-the-counter pain medications and NSAIDs can help to manage arthritic flare-ups.
Staying abreast with the latest information is the best way to combat diseases in early stages and live a healthy life. Read the latest news & updates here to learn about the recent advancements in joint care and therapeutics.
