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Experiences of Working with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Purpose

Pain and disability associated with lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) may contribute to difficulties at work. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of workers with lower limb OA on difficulties, concerns, and coping strategies used at work.

Methods

Twenty-two individuals with lower limb OA who were working in paid employment participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Codes were identified and refined through review of interview transcripts and discussion with the research team.

Results

Six themes were identified in relation to experiences working with lower limb OA. Themes were as follows: weight-bearing physical demands are challenging; lower limb OA can affect work performance; emotional consequences of pain; concerns about work in the future; positive experiences of supportive colleagues and managers; and minimal effects on sedentary work. Three themes were identified relating to strategies to manage at work: adjustments at work help manage pain and avoid exacerbations; regular strategies to manage pain; and healthcare professionals are consulted, but usually not specifically for work.

Conclusions

Workers with lower limb OA experience physical and emotional difficulties at work that can impact work performance. Workers are concerned about longevity and job security and use a range of strategies to manage symptoms and remain at work. Employers, employees, and healthcare professionals may need to work together to create workplace accommodations to help workers with lower limb OA confidently remain in work.

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Data Availability

All data are available upon the request from the authors.

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Funding

This research did not receive any funds, grants, or other support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Yousef S. Alyousef, Megan H. Ross, Venerina Johnston & Michelle D. Smith

  2. College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia

    Yousef S. Alyousef

  3. School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD, Australia

    Venerina Johnston

  4. Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

    Venerina Johnston

Authors
  1. Yousef S. Alyousef
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  2. Megan H. Ross
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  3. Venerina Johnston
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  4. Michelle D. Smith
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Contributions

The authors confirm contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design (MDS and VJ); data collection (YSA, MDS, and VJ); analysis and interpretation of results (YSA, MHR, MDS, and VJ). The manuscript was written by YSA, MHR, and MDS, and reviewed by the authorship team. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michelle D. Smith.

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Conflict of interest

All authors declare they have no conflicting interests.

Ethical Approval

This study was approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 2019002852).

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All participants provided informed consent prior to study participation.

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Alyousef, Y.S., Ross, M.H., Johnston, V. et al. Experiences of Working with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study. J Occup Rehabil (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10158-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10158-8

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