The human skeleton is quite the mechanical framework, which consists of about 206 bones in an average adult. These bones perform various functions in the body, including support. To carry out their support duty, the human bones are joined at precisely 360 points - called joints.
Joints are structured such that bones can move over each other seamlessly without causing discomfort to the body. However, a joint can begin to wear off or even become inflamed due to various reasons, leading to pain and stiffness in that body part. This condition is known as arthritis.
Inflammation of the joints is a painful condition that limits one’s ability to move around. And if you are unable to move, carrying out your office duties may become challenging. This will impact your workflow and productivity in the long run.
For this reason, we’ve deemed it necessary to educate you on how you can manage painful symptoms of arthritis at work. Here are a few tips for alleviating pain at your workplace.
1. Take breaks at regular intervals
It doesn't matter where you work; you likely make some repetitive movements or stay in one position while carrying out your duties. Unfortunately, arthritis and its symptoms can be easily exacerbated by repetitive motions and a sedentary lifestyle.
Hence, you should try to take short breaks to stretch out your body and ease your joints. This will help prevent stiffness and improve blood circulation around your body. These breaks don't have to be excessively long, as a one-minute break every 30 minutes should suffice.
2. Invest in ergonomic furniture
Being pain-free will help you do your job faster and more efficiently. By investing in an ergonomic workstation, you can stave off any pain or discomfort in your office.
For example, if you use a back-support chair, you will be able to sit straight and keep your spine aligned properly. This furniture will help you avoid pain in your lower back.
In addition, a height-adjustable desk will enable you to set up your work area at a convenient elevation. Hence, you won’t have to strain your neck or arms to do your work.
You will also find other ergonomic devices, like a monitor mount, helpful in creating a comfortable workstation.
3. Use a keyboard cushion
You probably spend most parts of your day at work clicking away at your keyboard. This repetitive - and perhaps prolonged - action often leaves a strain on your wrists, especially if you don't use a keyboard cushion.
Keyboard cushions are helpful tools to reduce the stress on the wrist while you use the computer keyboard or even the mouse. Flexispot’s keyboard tray, for instance, has an area large enough to accommodate both devices with a wrist rest for maximum comfort.
In short, a keyboard cushion provides the most convenient position for your wrists and arms, keeping chronic pain at bay.
4. Proper lifting
Not paying attention to how you lift heavy objects at work can be detrimental to your physical health. Improper lifting can result in various injuries, including back sprains, muscle cramps, and wrist injuries - to name a few.
With smart lifting techniques, one is less likely to aggravate their arthritis symptoms. Below is a step-by-step guideline for lifting objects properly at your workplace;
● Maintain a wide support base - keep your legs shoulder-width apart, at least.
● Squat down - bend at your hips and knees only. Alternatively, you can put one knee to the floor with the other in front, bent at a right angle.
● Look straight ahead, keep your back aligned, chest out, and shoulders back.
● Slowly lift the object, straightening your knees and hips.
● Keep the load close to your body at navel level.
● Use your feet to change direction. Don't twist or turn your back - keep it straight.
Do not hesitate to ask for help if the object you are trying to lift is too heavy for one person.
5. Stay organised
As insignificant as it may seem, keeping your work area sorted and organised can go a long way in preventing pain at your office. With an inch-perfect organisation, you won’t have to overly stretch or take multiple trips to reach essential items for doing your job.
So, you are less likely to become fatigued or even exacerbate inflammation in your joints.
6. Try using working support devices
While ergonomic furniture and accessories will help improve the overall comfort at your workplace, you may still need extra support from specific devices to get through your workday.
For instance, it would be helpful to wear a working brace if you are dealing with an arthritic wrist. This apparatus will help stabilise and strengthen your wrist as you go about your daily tasks.
Unlike the standard hard plastic brace, a working brace is designed to have some flexibility, which would allow you to use your hand without straining it.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis is a painful joint condition that can impair one's ability to work. So, knowing how to tackle its uncomfortable symptoms - and applying that knowledge - will certainly help you become healthier and enhance your capacity to do your job.
If you are looking to purchase ergonomic furniture and accessories for your office, you can check our online catalog at FlexiSpot today!
