I am sorry you are dealing with routine flare ups, ! I know they can be a pain (literal and figurative) to experience. I don't know if you are in the US or another country, but many places do have workplace protections for people with disabilities and health conditions.
Injections often sound scary, but for many people with RA, they can be really help manage their most debilitating symptoms. And, injections are definitely less invasive than surgical options. Hopefully, your doctor is open to fully discussing all your options with you and answering any questions you may have. Of course, if you are discussing direct injections specifically for your ankle/foot pain and stiffness (like botox or steroids) those may be a bit different, but still an option to consider before surgery. And, for some folks, fusion surgery actually is the best choice for them.
Please know you are not alone in this!
Gentle Hugs, Erin, Team Member.