Although it’s sometimes seen as a condition that affects older people, the majority of adults with RA — 64 percent — are actually under the age of 65, according to the Arthritis Foundation. That means many people are likely dealing with RA while trying to work and maintain a career — and joint pain is just one of the factors that can make it challenging to perform well on the job. “Symptoms like inflammation, fatigue, limited range of motion, and poor strength can all impact someone‘s ability to work,“ says Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L, CPRP, an occupational therapist and advisor at Medical Solutions BCN in Rochester, New York.
The Impact of RA in Different Jobs
While RA is different for everyone, in general, the more severe your condition is, the more impact it’s likely to have on you at work. And while some jobs tend to be more physically demanding than others, virtually all of them require using your hands in some capacity, which can be a real challenge for people with RA. Even office jobs can trigger RA symptoms. Gripping a pen, typing on a keyboard, and holding a phone can all pose problems for people who have painful, swollen knuckles, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Other problems come from the office workstation — your desk, chair, and computer, Dr. Ferri says. Sitting in the same position at work for a long period of time can cause pain and stiffness for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for those with RA, Ferri notes. “Someone at a desk job will need to use ergonomic postures and ergonomic equipment to prevent their symptoms from worsening and impacting their job,” she says. Doing the same tasks and using the same muscles repeatedly can cause strain on the neck, shoulders, wrists and hands, back, and legs, she adds. For those with more active jobs, different problems can arise. For example, “Anyone working in construction will need to get accommodations to ensure they are safely using — and not overusing — large equipment,” she says. “The vibration from some heavy-duty pieces of equipment can worsen symptoms of RA and even cause cumulative stress conditions like carpal tunnel, which can cause someone’s hand function to decline.”
How to Ease RA Symptoms and Joint Damage on the Job
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to be as comfortable as possible at work — and you have a legal right under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to request them, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Here are some strategies to try.
Take frequent walking breaks. “It’s important to take breaks to get up and walk around once or twice every hour that you are seated,” Ferri says. This helps prevent your body from getting too stiff, she adds.Get an ergonomic chair. Ergonomic equipment is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, the Arthritis Foundation “Be sure to get a supportive office chair that has adequate lumbar support and can be adjusted,” says Ferri. It’s also good to move your chair’s armrests so your arms form a 90-degree angle from your elbow, and you can keep your fingers relaxed, according to the foundation.Be mindful of your wrists. Keep your wrists straight when you’re performing tasks, and do wrist rolls and wrist-extension stretches frequently, Ferri notes. Keeping a wrist rest below your keyboard is helpful, too, she adds.Upgrade your other desk equipment, too. “To minimize pressure on your hands and fingers, use a mouse and keyboard that works well,” Ferri advises. There are ergonomic options that are designed to keep your arms and hands in a neutral position, she says. It’s also good to keep any other equipment you need within arm’s reach so you don’t have to lean forward to get it, she adds.Consider other ergonomic tools that could help. “An ergonomic setup is crucial,” Ferri says. “This may mean getting a standing desk, among other things.” If you use a laptop at work instead of a personal computer, a laptop riser can bring your screen closer to eye level, according to the Arthritis Foundation. You don’t want to have to look down or up at your screen, which can cause neck strain, Ferri adds.
Other steps you can take to make your job easier include requesting a closer parking spot, which “can help people whose RA affects their hips and legs,” says Ferri, as well as taking flexible work hours. “Similarly, a relaxed dress code can be helpful if a person needs to have heating pads on different parts of their body,” she adds.
How to Request ADA Work Accommodations
If pain is impacting your job performance, you don’t have to just try to power through. If your employer has 15 or more employees, the ADA requires them to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with certain disabilities, the Arthritis Foundation notes. “RA is a medical condition that qualifies someone for ADA accommodations,” Ferri says. “You must provide your employer with medical documentation that proves your condition in order to get it. Usually, it goes to human resources. Your employer and sometimes an ADA specialist will sit down with you to discuss aspects of your job you are struggling with.” If you’re unsure if you need an accommodation, try keeping a written log for a week to record how you feel and what you’re doing. You can review it when you’re experiencing RA symptoms to see if your work tasks are contributing to your pain or fatigue. For more on how to request work accommodations under the ADA, visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).
