| If you’re an arthritis sufferer, you know that some days at work can be painful. And if your arthritis requires some accommodations at work, speak up. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you have the right to ask your employer for reasonable accommodations, like extra breaks or an adjustable desk.
Here are also some suggestions on how to protect your joints at work:
• Rearrange your work area. Make sure your workspace setup reduces, as much as possible, any lifting, walking or other activities that cause you pain.
• Take breaks every half-hour. Or, try to take a 10 minute breather every few hours. In order to avoid sustained stress on your joints, alternate tasks that require physical effort with those that require less.
• Stretch. Make sure you stretch your muscles when you go on breaks. If you can’t take frequent breaks, try to stand and stretch every hour at your workstation.
• Find alternatives. Is there a particular movement or task that always causes you pain? Ask your doctor, physical therapist, or another co-worker about ways to do that task differently. |
