Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, chronic inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system attacks the synovial linings of the joints which is where two bones come together and results in pain, inflammation and joint stiffness. The smaller joints of the hands and feet are commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis, however, other larger joints can also be affected. In addition to affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is known to affect other systems of the body and to contribute to overall fatigue.
Symptoms and characteristics
The joints can be painful and swollen. Movement becomes restricted due to the inflammation, which can also result in further damage to the joints. Other symptoms include:
- swelling, pain and heat in the joints
- stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning and after rest
- persistent fatigue and tiredness
- general feeling of being unwell
- difficulty sleeping due to pain
- muscle weakness
- the same joints on both sides of the body are usually affected
- can affect other body organs such as the eyes, lungs and heart.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with rheumatoid arthritis to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- increasing grip size of objects used in the workplace to reduce need to grip or manipulate small objects
- consider the use of alternative methods of computer input other than the keyboard and mouse if the hands are affected, such as voice recognition software
- the use of equipment such as kettle tippers within workplace kitchens to limit the need to lift the kettle
- energy conservation techniques determined to limit fatigue such as rotating physically demanding tasks with sedentary tasks or storing frequently used items within easy reach
- modifying workstation set-up to avoid or minimise bending, twisting, reaching or looking down
- providing and adjusting an ergonomic chair or stool to specific support needs and to allow postural rotation
- changing work routine to build in regular changes in posture to avoid static sitting and standing
- education in the use of correct manual handling techniques
- ensuring the workplace and work tasks are set-up to minimise repetitive or heavy lifting or the need to access below waist or above shoulder level
- if required to stand for long periods, consider the use of anti-fatigue matting and specialised shoe innersoles
- consider the use of lifting or mechanical aids such as trolleys to minimise lifting requirements
- space within a freezer to store an icepack, or a microwave in which to heat a heat pack, to assist with symptom control depending on preference.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Arthritis Australia 2011, 10 steps for living well with Arthritis, Arthritis Australia, New South Wales, viewed 5 March 2012, http://arthritisaustralia.com.au/images/stories/documents/booklets/2011_updates/10_Steps_for_living_well_with_arthritis.pdf.
MyDr 2001-2011, Rheumatoid arthritis , myDr.com.au, online, viewed 5 March 2012, http://www.mydr.com.au/default_new.asp?Article=2362.