4 Tips For Working With Arthritis Along With Some General Labor Policies…

Millions of people around the world have been affected by arthritis. In the United States, nearly 25% of all adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. The pain and inflammation that comes with arthritis directly affects the joints which can make it difficult to work, especially during flare ups. As a result, there have been policies and support put into place to help those struggling with arthritis. The following reviews the labor policies designed to protect those workers who have arthritis while providing you with tips to help you navigate getting your job done when this burden of a disease causes you trouble.

Labor Policies For American Workers With Arthritis

If we want to talk about labor policies, we first need to understand how arthritis can impact your ability to work. Arthritis creates constant discomfort and can prevent you from doing the simplest tasks like walking, standing, or sitting for any length of time. It can limit your ability to lift heavy objects and get a good grip on smaller things. Even bending and kneeling can be difficult when you are struggling with arthritis. There might come a time when you need some assistance. This is why it is critical that you take the time to consider the physical requirements of your job.

Here are a few of the labor policies that were put into place to protect American workers with arthritis:

Per the Social Security Administration, arthritis is considered a disability. If you have arthritis and your monthly income is less than $1,260, you are eligible to receive benefits.
The ADA, Americans with Disability Act, requires that employers with less than 15 employees accommodate the needs of their disabled employees. The employer is obligated to modify schedules and implement any other necessary measures that make it easier for their disabled employee to be successful.

Tips On Working With Arthritis…

#1: Talk To Your Employer

The first thing you need to do is to talk to your employer (or future employer). Keeping them in the loop about the severity of your disability will make working with arthritis less difficult. Not only can they help make your job easier by taking some of the load off, but it will also help them to be more considerate when assigning you daily tasks.

#2: Take Advantage Of The Flexible Work Culture

Today, there are options. Consider asking for a remote or hybrid working model. It can be easier for you to get work done at home as you have already spent time creating the best system to help ease your pain.

#3: Stay Busy

Being busy and actively moving is the best way to prevent stiffness that occurs when you stay in the same position for an extended period of time. Make time to move or walk occasionally as it helps to distress them.

#4: Have Realistic Expectations

Even when you seem to have everything in order, you might still need a break from work, that’s to be expected. You shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Discuss with your employer about scheduling breaks between work so that you can give your body the rest it desperately needs.

Arthritis can make you feel helpless in both your everyday life and at work. Thankfully, there are policies in place to protect you and make being successful easier. There are several acts for disabilities, as well as social security benefits, for those dealing with arthritis.

Making time to talk about your disability and the difficulties associated with it will help you get the assistance you need to work. If you have any concerns, consider reaching out to a disability lawyer for answers and we can help you with the evaluations and treatments.

Contact Us (859-331-3100) For More Information or to Request an Appointment

—

About Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology

Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology is the first and largest Rheumatology practice in the Northern Kentucky area. Founded by Dr. Arthur Kunath in 1986, our rheumatology practice now consists of six doctors who are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a Physician Assistant. Patients see one doctor (except in emergencies), thereby assuring continuity of care and an individualized doctor-patient atmosphere giving the physician the ability to establish personalized and detailed relationships. Our doctors have received numerous awards, including being listed as “Top Doctors” in Cincinnati Magazine, receiving the Patient’s Choice Award, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the American College of Rheumatology’s “My Doc Rocks” award.