September 10, 2004
Publication offers advice for farmers dealing with arthritis
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Arthritis, a condition that can reduce strength and mobility for completing routine chores, is a pain to farmers.
"Arthritis is one of the most common disabling conditions, and it especially affects farmers due to the physical nature of their work, which may include baling hay, moving livestock or bending down frequently when milking dairy cows," said Paul Jones, manager of Purdue University's Breaking New Ground Resource Center.
To provide help for agricultural workers with arthritis, Breaking New Ground has partnered with the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter, to publish "Arthritis and Agriculture: A Guide to Understanding and Living with Arthritis."
"Arthritis and Agriculture" covers a variety of arthritis-related topics, including common types of arthritis, managing arthritis, unproven arthritis remedies and sources of assistance, according to Jones.
Designed specifically for agricultural workers, the guide also gives advice on methods of modifying farm and ranch tasks to provide added protection to joints. In addition, emphasis is placed on proper diagnosis, exercise, medication, stress management and working with a team of professionals to cope with arthritis. A variety of organizations are listed for those wanting further assistance with arthritis or disability-related issues.
"Arthritis affects one in three adults, that is 1.7 million Hoosiers," said Sharyl Border of the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter.
The term arthritis refers to more than 100 different ailments known as rheumatic diseases. The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis.
Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of the smooth, gliding surface of a joint, known as cartilage. When cartilage is destroyed, raw bone surfaces rub together and the bone ends may thicken and form boney overgrowth called spurs.
For farmers, frequent lifting of heavy objects, repeated use of vibrating machinery or constant bending to perform certain tasks can add to the stress on joints and set the stage for osteoarthritis, particularly of weight-bearing joints, according to "Arthritis and Agriculture."
Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the thin membrane (synovium) that lines and lubricates a joint, involves the entire body. It can affect men and women of all ages, but is more common among females in their 20s and 30s.
A farmer may develop bursitis or tendonitis when certain muscles or tendons are stressed, such as by too much lifting, carrying or throwing, or by constantly gripping and manipulating the controls on farm equipment, according to information in the brochure. Both bursitis and tendonitis are painful conditions that usually last only a short time and do not cause permanent damage.
There is no cure for arthritis, but "Arthritis and Agriculture" lists several ways to reduce its effects.
First, don't ignore joint pain - see a doctor and get a specific diagnosis. The doctor will suggest a treatment plan, and a commitment to following that plan is essential to reducing the affects of arthritis.
Be active. Regular exercise protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them, lessens the pain and allows for an increased range of movement, and reduces fatigue. Exercise also can help reduce excess weight, and less weight equals less stress on joints, especially the knees, hips, back and feet.
"Arthritis and Agriculture" is available by calling the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter, at (800) 783-2342. For additional information about farming with a disability, contact Breaking New Ground at (800) 825-4264.
The Breaking New Ground Resource Center, is an internationally recognized source of information on rehabilitation technology relating to agricultural worksites. Its outreach program operates as part of Purdue's Cooperative Extension Service.
Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 494-8402, douglajk@purdue.edu
Source: Paul Jones, (765) 494-1221, jonesp@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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