Managingrheumatoid arthritisat work can be one of the most challenging aspects of having the chronic condition.
Below, we speak with several people with rheumatoid arthritis about how they get through the workday more comfortably.
Hopefully, some of their advice can help you at work too.
Some people say stretching helps with their rheumatoid arthritis at work.
Move as much as you are comfortably able to.
Honestly, when Im at home, Im kind of doing the same thing every day.
Its really easy to stay in one place, Ejiogu tells SELF.
Consider wearing wrist guards.
Andrews buys compression splints at her local drugstore, which she says feels like a hug around her wrist.
This extra support allows her to move her hands more comfortably while working at the computer.
Its an adaptive unit, and I can use it at any time, she tells SELF.
(The Copper Compression Wrist Brace is one highly rated option onAmazon, $24)
3.
Reduce stress as much as possible.
For some people,stress2can triggerrheumatoid arthritis flares.
Over the years, she says she gets more flares during stressful times.
Jade is a somatic therapist and uses the computer to see patients virtually.
When Im having a bad flare, I have a lot of trouble with basic tasks, she says.
Typing and using my computer and phone, both necessary for my job, have to take a backseat.
To help reduce stress, Jade meditates every morning using the Headspace app.
I now know when Im pushing too hard.
I did that for way too many years and got way too sick for far too long.
But standing for hours in heels during a flare-up can be really excruciating.
Its just murder on my feet, Leonard tells SELF.
Leonard also has on-site checks for her design projects, which can require a lot of standing and walking.
Sometimes, Leonard wears a dressier outfit with her sneakers if shes worried about not appearing formal enough.
For years, she dealt with the pain, so changing shoes is a big step for her.
For so long I have tried to deny having [rheumatoid arthritis], she says.
Speak to your boss about accommodations if you feel comfortable doing so.
