Living and Coping With Arthritis
By Carol Eustice, About.com Guide
- Living With Chronic Arthritis
- Continuing to Work
- Preparing for Disability
- Dealing With Family and Friends
Living With Chronic Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness can affect mobility and manual dexterity. Everyday tasks, which are usually considered simple, can become difficult for people with arthritis. Severe arthritis can be very limiting. As people find daily living activities more challenging, they can experience frustration and a wide array of emotions. It's important to stay positive and find solutions.
- Living With Arthritis Checklist
- Arthritis Affects Daily Living Activities
- Are You a Housekeeping Failure Because of Arthritis?
- 10 Cooking Tips for People With Arthritis
- People With Disabilities - Living in a "Normal World"
- Athletic Activities After Joint Replacement
- 'Pace Your Activities' Is Sage Advice
- Palm Pistol Compensates for Arthritic Hands
- Do You Hate to Ask for Help?
- Striking a Balance With Arthritis
- Grab Bars Create Safe Bathroom Environment
- Tips for Dealing With Morning Stiffness
Continuing to Work
Arthritis can impact employment and the ability to work. People with arthritis must adapt their work situation to their physical limitations. Most people with arthritis try to work as long as they can by modifying their workplace, changing their work schedule, or finding a more manageable job.
- Can I Continue to Work?
- Understanding Your Employee Health and Disability Benefits
- Share Your Story - How Do You Keep Working With Arthritis?
Preparing for Disability
It's difficult to acknowledge that you may be reaching the point where you are unable to work. If that's the case, you need to learn all about the disability benefits for which you may qualify. First, you have to become mentally prepared and accept that you are disabled. Then, learn about how to apply and win benefits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance Income: Do You Qualify?
- 61 Questions About Social Security Disability Services
Dealing With Family and Friends
Have you heard the saying "walk a mile in my shoes"? That's what a lot of people living with arthritis would like to say to their friends and family who don't understand what it's like to live with a chronic illness. In reality, arthritis is difficult for both the patient and their loved ones. It's important to have good communication with family and friends while you work at resolving misunderstandings and misconceptions.
- The Impact of Chronic Arthritis on Family
- In Sickness and In Health
- Family and Friends: Do They Understand Your Arthritis?
- Share Your Story - Shaking Hands With Arthritis
- Share Your Story - Family's Reaction to Arthritis
Understanding Your Emotions
Chronic arthritis can be life-changing. There are physical, mental, and financial aspects of living with chronic arthritis. As it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with everything and everyone, the disease can feel like a leg iron holding you back. Changes, challenges, and limitations due to arthritis can understandably stir the emotions.
Positive Actions
Once your diagnosis is confirmed as arthritis, you must learn how to best live with the disease. You will benefit from having a positive attitude and by choosing positive actions. Learn all you can about the disease, be a compliant patient, and learn how to adapt and adjust when necessary. Surround yourself with supportive people and create an environment that is healthy for you.
- The 8 Best Things to Do for Arthritis
- A Positive Approach to Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Is Effective
- 6 Ways to Become Less Sedentary
- Prayer - An Effective Alternative Treatment for Some
- Patience Helps You Live With Arthritis
- Join Us in the About.com Arthritis Forum
Share Your Story / Tell Us What You Think
Living with arthritis is challenge. It takes a physical and emotional toll. Share your experiences and opinions on these questions.
