myRAteam

That's a really important question, and it's one many people with RA wrestle with. The honest answer is — it depends on the person and how well their RA is being managed.

Research shows that people with jobs requiring manual labor are among the most likely to struggle with continuing work. One study found that one-third of Show Full Answer

That's a really important question, and it's one many people with RA wrestle with. The honest answer is — it depends on the person and how well their RA is being managed.

Research shows that people with jobs requiring manual labor are among the most likely to struggle with continuing work. One study found that one-third of people with RA stopped working within five years, with those in physically demanding roles being hit hardest. A myRAteam member shared: "My hands stay swollen, aching with pain every day. I can't stand longer than five minutes without sharp, burning pain in my back and hips." That kind of reality makes physically demanding work very difficult.

That said, some people do find ways to keep going, especially with the right treatment plan. Here are some things worth considering:

- Talk to your rheumatologist about whether your current treatment is optimized enough to support physical work
- Consult an occupational therapist who can suggest ways to modify how you approach physically demanding tasks
- Know your rights — workplace accommodation laws may apply even in labor-intensive industries
- Monitor your symptoms closely — pushing too hard can worsen disease progression

Working in a physically demanding environment can contribute to worsening symptoms, so your health always needs to come first. A conversation with both your doctor and employer is a great starting point.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

When Should You Stop Working if You Have RA?