Musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and deformity.
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About

Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and joint deformity, often in the small joints of the hands and feet.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Pain and limited mobility.
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks.
  • Fatigue from pain and poor sleep.
  • Struggling with repetitive tasks.
  • Trouble lifting heavy items.
  • Need for frequent rest breaks.

Practitioner Help

  • Teach joint protection techniques.
  • Suggest exercises to improve mobility.
  • Create a pacing plan to avoid overworking.
  • Offer strategies to manage fatigue.
  • Provide tools to make daily tasks easier.
  • Support pain management (relaxation, medication, therapy).
  • Help set goals and adapt tasks.
  • Offer stress management techniques.
  • Teach joint protection strategies.
  • Connect to community resources.
  • Assist with pain management and skin care.
  • Modify work tasks to help with joint mobility.
  • Encourage stress management practices.
  • Help access treatment and mental health resources.
  • Work with healthcare providers to manage symptoms.

Common Accommodations

  • Adjustable workstations to reduce strain
  • Voice-to-text software
  • Flexible work hours or breaks to manage medication schedules
  • Ergonomic equipment (for pain reduction)
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Notes

Williams Syndrome presents a mix of strengths and challenges. Leveraging verbal abilities while providing structured support for spatial tasks and sensory sensitivities helps individuals succeed in the workplace.

May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month

Resources

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - symptoms, causes, complications and treatments | healthdirect
  • Rheumatoid arthritis — Arthritis Australia inflammatory form of arthritis
Musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions

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