RA in the workplace:
- Arrange your work area in such a way to minimize the need to lift, carry, reach and walk.
- Take frequent short breaks throughout the day to stretch stiff joints.
- Change positions often and vary activities to limit stress on individual joints.
- When seated at the computer, try to keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle and your wrists relaxed while typing.
- Make sure you have a chair with proper lower-back support.
- A footrest, keyboard tray or wrist support may be helpful.
- Talk to an occupational therapist who can teach you how to perform work-related activities in ways that will cause less stress to your joints.
- Use your largest and strongest joints for lifting to take stress off of smaller joints.
- Lift using your palms rather than gripping items with your fingers.
- Use your arms for lifting rather than your hands.
- Hold items close to your body.
- Slide items whenever possible to avoid lifting.
Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a chronic and sometimes disabling condition,
a combination of medications
and health behavior activities may help people with RA retain their independence
and remain active. On this page, you’ll find useful tips and practical strategies
to help you manage your RA, including:
Joint Care Tips
- Ask your doctor or physical therapist if using a splint for short periods would
allow your painful or swollen joints to rest
- Also ask your doctor or physical therapist if you would benefit from the use of
assistive devices, tools, and gadgets to help reduce stress on your joints.
- Occupational and physical therapists can teach you techniques to help reduce pain
and discomfort during everyday activities.
Rest and Exercise
People with RA need to maintain a proper balance between rest and exercise. More
rest is needed when your disease is active to help reduce joint inflammation, joint
pain, and general fatigue. However, more exercise may be appropriate when your disease
is less active. Your doctor or physical therapist can help create an exercise program
that’s right for you.
Reducing Stress
Although stress does not cause RA, it can make the condition more difficult to manage.
Stress can even increase the amount of pain you feel. Stress reduction techniques
may include:
- Regular rest periods
- Relaxation exercises
- Exercise programs
- Participation in support groups
Support System: A Foundation for Health
Research has found that people who participate in support groups may enjoy better
overall health. You can build your own support network by:
- Participating in a support group or other similar program. Your local
Arthritis Foundation chapter is a good place to start finding programs in your
area.
- Asking friends and family for extra help during flare-ups.
- Educating friends and coworkers about RA so that they are more likely to be supportive
if you need to postpone plans or need help at work.
If you have any questions about Abbott Laboratories' RA.com website that have not
been answered .
The health information contained herein is intended for use by United States residents
only and is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace
a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must
be made with a healthcare provider and consider the unique characteristics of each
patient.