The Worst Jobs to Have with Arthritis

By Matt Lalande in Hamilton Lawyer, Long-Term Disability on May 21, 2023

Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses more than 100 diseases, all of which affect the joints and surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, stiffness, and often significant pain. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from the gradual wear and tear on joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. In both conditions, patients can experience intense pain that dramatically impairs their quality of life.

Pain occurs as inflammation and degeneration affect the joint structures, causing discomfort during movement or even at rest. Arthritis pain can be persistent and debilitating, making simple daily activities challenging and restricting mobility.

Arthritis can lead to work disability as chronic joint pain and stiffness significantly hinder mobility, reducing an individual’s ability to perform tasks, especially those requiring manual dexterity or physical exertion. Furthermore, the progressive nature of many forms of arthritis can result in sustained impairment, leading to a decline in work productivity and, in severe cases, forcing individuals to leave their jobs or change their career paths.

What are the Different Types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are different types of arthritis, and each type can affect people in different ways. Some types of arthritis are more severe than others and can make it difficult to do certain jobs.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. This inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. RA also affects other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, and lungs.

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People with RA often experience a range of symptoms that can make it difficult to do their jobs. The pain and inflammation caused by RA can make it difficult to move the joints, which can be a problem for jobs that require a lot of movement. People with RA may also experience fatigue, which can make it difficult to do strenuous activities. Additionally, people with RA are at risk for developing other health problems, which can also impact their ability to work.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding a job for someone with RA. Some people with RA may be able to do light-duty work, while others may need to find a job that is less physically demanding. Some individuals with RA often have difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, which can be a problem for jobs like secretary or nurse, while others may have difficulty with tasks that require a lot of lifting, which can be a problem for jobs like construction worker or firefighter.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. OA often affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

People with OA often have difficulty doing tasks that require a lot of movement or lifting. This can be a problem for jobs like construction worker or firefighter. People with OA may also experience fatigue, which can limit their ability to do strenuous activities. Additionally, people with OA are at risk for developing other health problems, which can also impact their ability to work.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding a job for someone with OA. Some people with OA may be able to do light-duty work, while others may need to find a job that is less physically demanding. Some individuals with OA often have difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, which can be a problem for jobs like secretary or nurse, while others may have difficulty with tasks that require a lot of lifting, which can be a problem for jobs like construction worker or firefighter.

Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It often affects the big toe but can also affect other joints in the body.

People with gout often have difficulty doing tasks that require a lot of movement or lifting. This can be a problem for jobs like construction worker or firefighter. People with gout may also experience fatigue, which can limit their ability to do strenuous activities. Additionally, people with gout are at risk for developing other health problems, which can also impact their ability to work.

Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis. It causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. PsA can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, and nails.

People with PsA often have difficulty doing tasks that require a lot of movement or lifting and may have problems with tasks that involve handling objects or climbing stairs. . This can be a problem for jobs like construction worker or firefighter. People with PsA may also experience fatigue, limiting their ability to do strenuous activities. Additionally, people with PsA are at risk for developing other health problems, which can also impact their ability to work.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) – is a subtype of osteoarthritis that occurs following a joint injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or ligament tear. The trauma disrupts the normal functioning of the joint, which can lead to a cascade of changes in the joint’s biomechanics and biology. This can result in progressive damage to the articular cartilage—the smooth, lubricating surface of the joint—and other joint structures. Over time, this damage causes pain, swelling, and a decrease in joint mobility, similar to the symptoms seen in other forms of osteoarthritis. PTOA can occur in any joint, but is most commonly seen in the knee, hip, and ankle, and it is a significant cause of disability, particularly among young, active individuals.

The Worst Jobs for Someone with Arthritis

When living with arthritis, certain careers can feel like navigating a minefield of pain and discomfort—here’s a revealing glance at the ten most challenging jobs for individuals battling this persistent condition.

1. Construction Worker: Construction workers often have to do a lot of heavy lifting, climbing, and running, which can be very difficult for people with arthritis. This job can put a lot of strain on your joints, which can make the pain worse. One task specific to construction that can be extremely stressful for people with arthritis is using vibrating tools, which can cause pain in the joints.

2. First responders: Climbing, running, and lifting heavy objects, all responsibilities that firefighters and police officers are expected to be able to perform, can put a lot of strain on the joints, which can worsen pain created by arthritis. This in itself may not warrant the need to resign from your job as a first responder but having arthritis can put you at a greater risk for injury while performing your duties.

3. Musicians: Many musicians rely on their dexterity and manual strength to perform their jobs. Unfortunately, arthritis can make it difficult to grip musical instruments or hold them for long periods of time without pain. Additionally, the repetitive motions often required when playing an instrument can further aggravate arthritis pain. A violinist with arthritis, for example, may need to find alternative ways to play to avoid aggravating pain in their elbow, wrist and shoulder from arthritis.

4. Retail salespeople: People who work in retail often have to do a lot of walking, standing, and lifting. This can be difficult for arthritis people who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, people with arthritis may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as opening containers or bags.

5. Movers or Delivery Drivers: One of the most challenging jobs for someone suffering from arthritis could be movers or delivery drivers. These jobs often require heavy lifting, constant motion, and repeated use of the same joints, all of which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. The constant strain on the joints can result in increased inflammation, pain, and potentially accelerate the progression of the disease. Moreover, the physically demanding nature of these roles offers little flexibility for modifying tasks or taking necessary breaks to rest and manage symptoms. Therefore, individuals with arthritis might find it extremely challenging to sustain such physically demanding jobs without causing significant discomfort and potential harm to their health.

6. Chefs: Chefs often have to do a lot of repetitive motions, such as chopping vegetables or stirring a pot. These motions can be difficult for people with arthritis, who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, people with arthritis may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as slicing meat or using a knife.

7. Dentists: Dentists often have to do a lot of repetitive motions, such as drilling or cleaning teeth. These motions can be difficult for people with arthritis, who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, people with arthritis may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as using a dental drill or picking up small objects.

8. Nurses: Nurses often have to do a lot of walking, standing, and lifting. This can be difficult for arthritis people who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, nurses may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as opening containers or bags. Other medical staff, such as personal support workers (PSW) who have arthritis, may also struggle at their jobs as they often have to support patients who might be much heavier than themselves physically.

9. Truck Driver: Truck drivers often have to do a lot of sitting, which can be difficult for people with arthritis, who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, truck drivers may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as opening a door or climbing into the cab.

10. Warehouse Worker: Warehouse workers often have to do a lot of lifting, which can be difficult for people with arthritis, who may experience pain and stiffness in their joints. Additionally, warehouse workers may have difficulty performing tasks that require manual dexterity, such as opening containers or sorting through merchandise.

Arthritis and Work Disability

Arthritis, characterized by painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints, can significantly impact a person’s capacity to perform work-related tasks. For those in manual labor, the physical exertion can exacerbate joint pain, leading to reduced productivity, increased time off, and even the need to change careers. For desk jobs, arthritis in the hands and wrists can hamper typing or writing, and lower back arthritis can make sitting for extended periods unbearable.

Chronic pain and mobility limitations can also lead to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, further affecting work performance.

As the condition progresses, individuals with severe arthritis may become eligible for long-term disability benefits, given their substantial work limitations and the lasting nature of their condition.

Have you been Denied Long-Term Disability for Arthritis?

If you have been denied disability insurance because of arthritis, it is important to speak to a lawyer who specializes in lonmg-term disability law. Our Hamilton Long-Term Disability Lawyers have been helping claimants denied long-term disability since 2003 and have recovered millions for disabled people in need We understand the complex laws surrounding disability insurance and we will fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Stop struggling with a faceless insurance company – and call our Hamilton long-term disability lawyers to get your free consultation today.

We represent disability claimants all over Ontario – and our disability lawyers can help you get the compensation deserve you you. Our consultations are 100% free – and if you decide to work with our Hamilton disability lawyers, the fee is free. We do not charge our clients anything unless we win their case. We are happy to provide you the legal advice you need in order for you to make an informed decision about your own particular situation. Call us no matter where you are in Ontario at 1-844-LALANDE or local in the Southern Ontario region at 905-333-8888. Alternatively, you can send us a confidential email through our website – and we would be happy to explain your long-term disability rights and legal options to you, at no cost.

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