Coping with Arthritis at Work: The Ultimate Guide
If you suffer from arthritis, you aren’t alone.
23% of all American adults have arthritis. That’s over 54 million people who are currently living with this often debilitating condition. And, that number is expected to rise over the next several years.
People with arthritis experience achiness, pain, swelling of the joints, and stiffness. When symptoms are severe, it has the potential to greatly reduce your quality of life.
Many sufferers have periods when their arthritis symptoms limit their regular, daily activities. For some, these periods may be seasonal or brief. But, for others, severe symptoms occur on a daily, or almost daily, basis.
If you have arthritis, it may difficult to perform your job. It’s a top cause of disability among Americans, after all.
But, there are some recommendations that can help. Read on for your guide to coping with arthritis at work.
Your Guide to Coping With Arthritis at Work
For people who suffer from arthritis, the consequences can be a real pain. Not only do the symptoms tend to be pain-inducing, but the effects of arthritis can create obstacles in virtually every area of your life.
One of the things that patients report is difficulty enduring symptoms while working.
Even if your nine-to-five job was once a source of joy, arthritis can cause you to dread your daily drive into work.
If you suffer from arthritis, don’t give up hope.
Try these tips for coping with arthritis at work.
1. Seek Appropriate Medical Care
Getting an early diagnosis and appropriate medical care can improve your prognosis and may help you stay active.
If you suspect that you may have arthritis, it’s important that you make an appointment with a physician. When you speak with the doctor, be sure to share your symptoms and concerns.
Statcare Urgent Medical care offers more info on how to proceed.
2. Get Moving!
While you might not want to exercise when your symptoms are giving you problems, it’s essential that you move your body in order to keep your arthritis at bay.
Sometimes high-impact activity, such as running or circuit training, can create stress on your joints, exacerbating your symptoms. To avoid added aches and tension, you can try low-impact exercises that include activities such as water aerobics, yoga, or walking.
Exercising regularly won’t only help you cope with arthritis, it has a multitude of additional lasting health benefits, as well. It keeps your heart healthy, combats depression, blasts away body fat, and so much more.
Plus, you can always grab or make friends who enjoy the same kind of activities as you do. This can help you to maintain an active social life and it can be a lot of fun, too.
3. Take Breaks Throughout the Workday
If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, frequent breaks to stretch and relax can make the workday more tolerable.
Today, many of us are guilty of improper posture. And, hunching over a computer or slouching at our desks can make it even more difficult to practice good posture at work. This can lead to tight muscles and achy joints, worsening your arthritic bouts.
Luckily, taking time to stretch and meditate during your workday can alleviate arthritis symptoms, improve your posture and benefit your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
4. Join a Self-Management Education Program
Joining a self-management education program can teach you skills and coping mechanisms to help you deal with your condition at work.
There are a variety of workshops, education programs and support groups for people living with arthritis.
You may find that there are local organizations in your area that offer a group for arthritis patients. Or, check out the Center for Disease Control website for a list of several recommended state and national programs especially for arthritis sufferers.
5. Practice Healthy Habits
Changing your lifestyle to reflect healthy habits can improve arthritis symptoms and may reduce periods of suffering.
Besides helping you to cope with arthritis, a healthy lifestyle will boost your overall health. And this can make everyone feel better and potentially live longer.
Quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake can offer substantial improvements to your health. If you feel that you can’t quit or cut back on your own, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you set safe, realistic goals and achieve success.
Nutrition can also impact your condition, increase your energy, and strengthen your immune system. Aim for a balanced diet with plenty of servings of fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to limit sugar, sweeteners, and processed foods.
Take Care of Yourself!
Whether you suffer from arthritis or not, practicing self-care can go a long way and help everyone to feel their best.
Although arthritis isn’t fun for anybody, taking charge of your health and lifestyle can help you at work, home, and everywhere in between.
Listen to what body is telling you. Your body often will give you clues as to what it needs.
Meditation can also be helpful in coping with arthritis, and it provides many other benefits for the mind and body, as well. It doesn’t hurt to try new things and it may even help in more ways that you might have imagined.
Want to try some meditation techniques and see for yourself what it can do for your mind and body? Check out this post to learn how to practice mindfulness meditation and start feeling better today!