Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It generally results from a thinning, breakdown or loss of the cartilage that usually cushions the ends of bones coming together to form a joint, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness when the affected joint is used. The weight bearing joints such as hips and knees and joints within the hands are often the most affected with pain and stiffness ranging from mild to severe.
Mostly osteoarthritis is associated with aging or general joint 'wear and tear' over time. It can also be associated with:
- continual stress or repetitive activity on particular joints
- being overweight as this increases the stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and the knees
- previous injury or surgery in a joint, especially if the joint didn't heal well.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The symptoms and characteristics of osteoarthritis include:
- pain—this is the earliest symptom and is usually made worse when the joints are used a lot and eases with rest
- stiffness following any period of inactivity—this tends to go away after a short period of time following the use of the affected joint
- swelling and redness of the joint or joints
- weakness of the muscles around affected joints which sometimes makes the joint feel unstable or like it is 'giving way'
- reduced movement or mobility due to the above symptoms
- feeling of ‘bone on bone’ or grinding in the affected joints.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with osteoarthritis 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 keying and mousing if the hands are affected, such as voice recognition software
- the use of equipment such as kettle tippers, jar and tin openers and utensils with large grips within workplace kitchens to limit stress placed over joints of the hands
- 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 individual 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 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
- suitable freezer in which to store cold packs if needed for symptom control
- accessibility of all areas established if a mobility aid is required.
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:
(Arthritis Australia 2009; Day 2007; MDA Internet 2005-2008)
References:
Arthritis Australia 2009, 10 steps for living well with Arthritis, Arthritis Australia, New South Wales, <http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au/images/stories/documents/booklets/10_steps_booklet_2009.pdf>.
Day, R (Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, University of New South Wales) 2007, Osteoarthritis fact file, ABC Net, <http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2006/03/16/1831451.htm>.
MDA Internet 2005-2008, Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Reed Group, viewed 20 March 2009, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.