First, know that you’re not alone. Psoriatic arthritis can interfere with job productivity and lead to missed workdays, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). It also can affect your bottom line. A review of studies on the effect of psoriatic arthritis on quality of life published in December 2017 in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism revealed that up to 50 percent of those with the condition were unemployed and nearly 40 percent considered themselves unable to work because of their symptoms. Other studies reviewed noted that those with psoriatic arthritis reported being less productive at work than those without the condition. But know, too, that making a few workplace adjustments can make managing psoriatic arthritis on the job easier.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Your Rights in the Workplace
People disabled by psoriatic arthritis are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to the NPF. If you can successfully do the most important parts of your job, your employer must make reasonable accommodations so you can continue to work. Reasonable means that the changes aren’t too difficult or costly for the business. Accommodations may include flexible work schedules and extra time off for doctor’s appointments. Some employers may be eligible for a tax credit or deduction for accommodating employees — a win-win for everyone. Businesses with less than 15 employees are not ADA-eligible, but some states have laws to protect people who work for smaller companies. Still, you might benefit from simple changes that can help make your workday more comfortable and productive. Here are some ideas:
Take breaks
Getting up and moving around is especially important for someone with psoriatic arthritis, says Marissa Crossman, DPT, a physical therapist at Ellis Medicine in Schenectady, New York. “You are naturally stiffer, and exercise can help keep the joints, ligaments, and tendons loose and muscles strong.” Staying limber also helps lessen inflammation, she adds.
Make your workspace ergonomically correct
Raise your computer screen so that the top quarter is at eye level. Your back should be supported and in the upright position to complement the natural curvature of your spine, and wrists and hands should be in line with the forearms, according to Crossman. A desk chair with adjustable armrests and a seat that can be raised and lowered to your needs would be ideal, she adds.
Give yourself a helping hand
Assistive devices can help take the strain out of routine tasks. Crossman’s recommendations include:
Wrist pads, especially helpful when typing on a hard desk.A track pad as a replacement for your computer mouse. “It allows you to just swipe your fingers instead of gripping and moving the entire mouse,” Crossman says.A Writing-Bird, an ergonomically shaped tool to use if gripping a pen is too difficult. It doesn’t require a lot of pressure to hold or move.A chair cushion. “You may want to add a soft cushion to sit on to help promote good posture and help with the alignment of the spine,” Crossman says.A walking aid or shoe inserts. “These can help decrease the impact on the joints while walking at work,” Crossman notes.
Work out at your desk
Stretches help you stay limber and are easy to do in your chair, Crossman says. To stretch your hamstrings — the muscles on the backs of your thighs — sit at the edge of the chair, straighten one leg so that your heel is on the floor and toes are up, then bend forward at the hips; repeat with the other leg. To stretch your shoulders, bring one arm across your chest and push it toward your torso with the opposite hand; repeat with the other arm. Finally, to stretch your neck muscles, Crossman adds, slowly turn your head from side to side. Cycling is a great low-impact exercise for people with psoriatic arthritis, Crossman notes, and an under-the-desk bike allows you to peddle while you work.
Fight fatigue
A mid-afternoon slump can hit anyone, but it can be particularly troublesome when you have psoriatic arthritis. “Exercise releases endorphins, so if you find yourself getting tired during the day, take a break and go for a short walk and drink some water to rehydrate,” Crossman suggests. If you’re up to it, she adds, swimming at lunchtime may help break up the day. Swimming, she says, is a “great way to increase cardiovascular endurance” without causing stress on the joints. In general, “Keep active, keep moving,” Dr. Orbai advises. “Consider dividing your inactive or sitting time in chunks no longer than 45 minutes separated by active time that includes walking, stretching, or speaking to coworkers.”
Manage stress
“Stress management is important,” Orbai explains. “Avoid getting stressed or becoming isolated as that only increases anxiety, depression, and stress, which could trigger a flare. Know yourself and learn to respond early to stress in ways that help you diffuse it.” So when the boss is breathing down your neck, take a break to de-stress. A few minutes of mindfulness meditation can help. This relaxation technique uses deep breathing to clear your mind and calm racing thoughts.
Ask for workplace accommodations
Pick a time that’s stress- and distraction-free for you and your boss to talk about how you can be more successful on the job. Explain how your condition impacts your work and how accommodations could help. Come ready with specific suggestions — you might even ask your rheumatologist for a letter supporting your case. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network includes a database of accommodations specific to various medical conditions that employees can discuss with their supervisors. Having an open conversation with your supervisor is the first step in the right direction. Additional reporting by Brian P. Dunleavy
