job management arthritis

7 Tips for Managing Your Job with Arthritis

Holding down a job while dealing with the pain and fatigue of a chronic illness can be more than a little challenging. Try these tips to help you manage arthritis symptoms at work:

  • Organize your day. Schedule your workday to accommodate your symptoms. If you feel especially tired in the mornings, ask your manager if you can start later – 10 or 11 a.m. You can also ask for flextime or to telecommute from home a couple of days each week.
  • Conserve energy. Try to balance physical tasks – like lifting boxes – with desk activities so you don’t tire yourself out. If you work in a large company, try to schedule your meetings in the same area to prevent excessive walking.
  • Stock up on arthritis-friendly office supplies. Ask your company for tools to make you more comfortable at work. Voice recognition software, a headset, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, an adjustable chair and rocking footrest are just a few ideas.
  • Take breaks. Every 20 to 30 minutes, stand up and walk or stretch for at least 5 minutes to keep your joints flexible.
  • Use mobility aids. If you have trouble walking, ask for a scooter to help you get around the office.
  • Make the switch. Discuss with your supervisor whether you can take on more duties that are less strenuous on joints in exchange for some you currently have. This way you are putting in the same amount of work.
  • Choose wisely. Understand the limitations of your disease as you are choosing a new or changing your current job.

For more information on flexible work arrangements and ergonomic workspaces, visit Arthritis and the Workplace on Arthritis.org.

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One thought on “7 Tips for Managing Your Job with Arthritis

  1. i am a teacher having a hard time writting on the board, i have been trying those tips and they do help, nevertheless i was wondering if you knew about any medication that can really work to give me at least a few hours feeling good, my kids deserve to learn math with pretty drawings

    any mail i can use to contact you?

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