I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees. I recently started a physically demanding job as an infant/toddler teacher with lots of heavy lifting, bending, squatting, etc. To make matters worse, I cannot lift properly due to spondylolisthesis in my back, which is also causing me a great deal of pain.

I am experiencing excruciating pain on a daily basis and am wondering if such activities may be causing futher damage to my joints. I am unable to take time off from work, so the pain is continual, and there is a lot of fluid as well. I don't want to quit my job, but am concerned that by continuing to aggravate the joints, I may be causing damage to my knees.

Any information would be most appreciated! Thank you in advance for your support.