Eat A Nutritious Diet
Vitamin deficiencies and anemia can cause fatigue. In many cases, you should be able to get the correct amount of vitamins from the foods you eat in a balanced diet. A good trick is to try to eat the rainbow. Choose whole, unprocessed foods in various colors to eat a wide range of nutrients.
If youre worried that you arent getting enough vitamins from your diet, talk to your doctor. They can do a blood test to see if youre anemic. They can also help you make adjustments to your diet. They may recommend a vitamin supplement, as well. Do not start taking supplements unless recommended by your doctor.
Get The Facts About Jak Inhibitors The Newest Class Of Fda
2. Kick-start your exercise routine. Inactivity can be a vicious circle RA fatigue makes it hard to get moving, and inactivity makes fatigue worse,â Ali explains. âMost people with RA do feel energized after exercise. It may help to work with a physical therapist to get started.â The best exercises for people with RA are often low-impact activities like stationary cycling, swimming, and walking.
3. Nix the naps. A good nights sleep requires healthy sleep habits. If possible, avoid napping during the day. You need to be awake for about 16 hours in order to sleep well at night for example, getting up at 7 a.m. and going to bed at 11 p.m. When you do turn in, keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable and avoid making it an entertainment center . Also, skip the alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime and limit caffeine after noon. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also help you establish a quality sleep routine that leaves you feeling refreshed.
6. Ask your doctor about medications for fatigue. Certain medications may help chronic fatigue, such as modafinil. However, âyou need to use these with caution, because once you start taking them, it may be hard to stop,â Ali says. âTramadol is a pain medication that can help improve sleep thats disrupted by RA pain. As another option, a low-dose antidepressant, also given at bedtime, has been shown to reduce pain, increase sleep, and reduce fatigue in some people with RA,â he says.
Give Yourself More Time To Get Things Done
Jennifer says that shes been able to keep up with most of the activities she enjoys by allowing herself more time to do them. For example, she loved going to amusement parks before the pandemic but would become extremely fatigued after walking around all day. Instead of cutting out this big part of her life, she consciously decided to just do things more slowly. Instead of racing through the park to get through all of her favorite rides, Julie decided to set aside more time for her amusement park days so she didnt feel rushed. This allowed her to take breaks in between rides and go at her own pace. She also builds in extra time to get ready before leaving the house. I hate to be late, but it takes me longer to get ready now. So I know I have to start getting ready earlier than I used to.
Additionally, Jennifer says its helpful to communicate your needs with others. I warned the people I go out with and told them its going to take longer for us to go places and do things because of this, Jennifer says. I dont expect to be treated differently in general, but just ask that they give me some extra time.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related:
Dont Miss: What Causes Arthritis Flare Up In Hands
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Arthritis Pain In Wrist
Make A Plan For Flares
My rule of thumb during a flare-up or when my pain is higher than a five is to take it easy and allow my body to get the recovery time it needs, says Scholl. Having a plan keeps you feeling in control, so youre less likely to throw in the towel and stop exercising altogether after needed downtime.
Dont Miss: Are Eggs Bad For Arthritis
Load Up On Plant Foods
Fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes these are the kinds of foods that help to naturally fight inflammation, boost energy, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra pounds can make you feel even more sluggish and make arthritis symptoms worse.
Spinach and tomatoes are good choices to fight inflammation so are dark berries, which contain natural energy bullets, says Dr. Schiopu. Include lean protein and a little healthy fat in every plate, and eat regularly for a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Also: Drink lots of water. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue.
Donât Miss: Why Does Psoriatic Arthritis Hurt So Bad
Read Also: Can Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Dizziness
Reason : Your Mood Is Low
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have chronic pain, and they can be depressed, Dr. Greer says. That depression magnifies or causes fatigues itself. The International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology notes that major depressive disorder is common with RA patients affecting 13% to 42% of this population. In comparison, thats two- to four-times higher than the general population. Mild depression can exhaust brain cells, says Dr. Hylland. On the other hand, certain meds to treat depression can also make you tired, so if youre prescribed antidepressants, report to your primary care physician if it worsens fatigue, he says.
You Might Avoid Wearing Short Sleeves On A Hot Day If You Have Psoriasis Too
As if psoriatic arthritis wasnt enough, many people who have the condition also have psoriasis, which produces patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales. Even when the temperature is 80 degrees and climbing, sleeveless shirts arent an option for many. My psoriasis is mainly on my elbows, so I would never dream of wearing a sleeveless dress, Dishner says. Three-quarter sleeves are my best friends.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Tell You Have Arthritis
Can Psoriasis Make You Feel Tired
Scientists arent entirely sure why this happens. What is clear is that many people who have psoriasis say they feel exhausted. Some people say the constant fatigue, which can interfere with everyday life, is one of the most troublesome symptoms of psoriasis.
While theres no quick fix for ending the fatigue, dermatologists say you may be able to boost your energy by making some changes.
What Organs Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect
Yes, psoriatic arthritis can wreak havoc on your joints and skin, but it can also cause problems in other parts of your body. Thats because psoriatic arthritis causes systemic inflammationfrom your eyes to your heart, says Dr. Askanase. It can involve the eyes with uveitis, the gut with inflammatory bowel disease, your heart with early cardiovascular disease, lung inflammation, and liver and kidney problems. In other words, psoriatic arthritis can be a disease of the whole body, she says.
That said, while psoriatic can increase your risk for these other conditions, it doesnt mean that you will get them. Its a good idea to talk with your healthcare team about how to reduce any risk factors you might have, including getting your PsA under control and tweaking your treatment plan, if necessary. These things will help reduce your risk of complications.
You May Like: Does Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Swelling
Reason : Its A Byproduct Of Ra
Eighty percent of RA patients experience significant fatigue. The reason: RA causes the body to make inflammatory proteins, called Tumor Necrosis Factor, or TNF, and weve known for a very long time that they cause fatigue,, says Jonathan M. Greer, M.D., a rheumatology and internal medicine specialist in Palm Beach County, FL, and assistant clinical professor of medicine at both Nova Southeastern University and the University of Miami. But that doesnt mean all is lost. A Rheumatology study found that patients receiving anti-TNF therapies experienced clinically important improvements in RA-related fatigue.
Dealing With Inflammation Saps The Bodys Energy Levels
In addition, a study showed that 95 percent of patients with RA report suboptimal levels of energy that impact their quality of life. There is a biological explanation for it, says Dr. Domingues: When there is an inflammatory process, such as RA, lupus or ankylosing spondylitis, your immune system is constantly producing and carrying inflammation and, therefore, using energy.
Importantly, chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS, differs from fatigue. ME/CFS is a complex disease characterized by extreme fatigue that is not associated with an underlying medical condition and lasts for six months or longer. Researchers dont know what causes it, but they do know that it will often worsen with physical or mental activity, according to a consensus report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
Don’t Miss: What Supplements Should I Take For Arthritis
Changing Your Diet Wont Cure Psoriatic Arthritis
There is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis, and making dietary changes like going paleo or gluten free isnt a remedy. The good news, however, is that a healthy diet with plenty of anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables thats low in fats and sugars can help keep psoriatic arthritis symptoms under control. Also try to steer clear of dairy and caffeine, which may aggravate psoriatic arthritis symptoms, says Dr. Markenson.
Skip Caffeine After 2 Pm
Thats because it can take up to eight hours for half of the caffeine you consume to be metabolized by your body. Drink coffee too close to bedtime and it can mess with how well you rest. Poor sleep quality has been linked to more fatigue, as well as higher levels of depression in people with RA.
Taking your last coffee break by 2 PM can help ensure youre able to fall asleep by 10 PM or so, say experts. Other healthy habits to help you rest better: Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before bed wind down with a warm bath or soothing music and keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also help.
Dont Miss: Reasons For Low Energy And Fatigue
Read Also: How To Determine If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Develop An Arthritis Pain Management Strategy
A person can work with a doctor to develop a plan for managing arthritis pain.
Where possible, it is important to avoid going to bed in pain. A doctor can recommend an appropriate pain relief medication to prevent pain before bedtime. They might suggest:
- nighttime release arthritis drugs
- drugs that work for 24 hours
- an evening dose of pain medication
Identifying and managing arthritis triggers can also be helpful. A person can try keeping a pain and sleep log to determine and address any patterns that seem to worsen sleep or pain.
Read Also: Why Does Psoriatic Arthritis Hurt So Bad
What Are Options For Pain Management
Minor pain and stiffness of mild PsA can be alleviated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . In addition, injections of corticosteroids may be used.5
For moderate to severe disease, treatments that target joint disease in PsA frequently can reduce symptoms and prevent disease progression. Recommended treatments include disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs .
The first step for treatments is usually DMARDs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, or sulfasalazine. Other treatments include medicines that target tumor necrosis factor , a chemical that produces a wide range of inflammation in PsA.
Examples of TNF blockers include etanercept , adalimumab , infliximab , golimumab , and certolizumab pegol . Other DMARDs that have proven effective in clinical trials include ustekinumab , and secukinumab .1
The FDA has also recently approved Inflectra , a biosimilar to infliximab, for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.7Physical and occupational therapy can be critical treatment approaches to both protect the involved joints and maintain function.5
Read Also: Is Broccoli Bad For Arthritis
Read Also: How Bad Does Arthritis Hurt
Symptoms Of Fatigue In Inflammatory Arthritis
Just like there are many causes of fatigue, there are also many symptoms that may indicate what you have is inflammatory arthritis-related fatigue. Its very subjective and not quantifiable with a lab or measurable outcome, which is why fatigue can feel so frustrating and overwhelming, says Dr. Cohen. You cant quantify it, but you know its not normal.
Heres a look at some of the key symptoms to discuss with your health care team:
Extreme tiredness
Dr. Khattri says that while symptoms of fatigue and feeling tired do overlap, fatigue is often at the extreme end. You feel like you have no control.
With normal tired you know sleep can fix it, says CreakyJoints community member Lel. Fatigue decides when its over youre just a helpless bystander.
Change in energy levels
While some patients wake up feeling fatigue, others experience sudden, overwhelming changes in energy levels and simply hit a wall.
RA fatigue stops me in my tracks. I feel myself fading out suddenly, then I have to rest . It feels like sandbags dropped on me, says CreakyJoints community member Kristina H. It hits me around the same time every day, or sometimes I wake up knowing its going to be a low energy day.
Increase in flares
Poor sleep
Research shows that poor sleep can make the symptoms of fatigue worse, increasing sensitivity to pain, irritability, and making it that much harder to concentrate, says Dr. Cohen.
Brain fog
Headache
Psoriatic Arthritis: Flares And Fatigue
Psoriatic arthritis might cause fatigue in several ways. In part, the disease process itself may be to blame.
When you have psoriatic arthritis, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Those proteins trigger inflammation throughout your body a hallmark of the disease. Researchers believe the cytokines also cause fatigue, perhaps through several different pathways in your body.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms come and go. Sometimes, they are relatively mild. Other times, the pain and swelling become significant. Those bad periods are known as flares. And when a flare occurs, fatigue often comes along for the ride.
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Buy Arthritis Gloves
Does Psoriatic Arthritis Shorten Life Expectancy
Psoriatic arthritis does not usually affect a persons life expectancy and it is not life-threatening. However, it can increase the risk for other conditions that can, such as cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Considering this, Can you get short term disability for psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis falls under the classification of immune system impairments of the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security. 2 More specifically, it is listed under section 14.09 titled Inflammatory Arthritis. If someone meets the requirements under section 14.09, they may be approved for disability payments.
Is psoriatic arthritis worse than rheumatoid? A study published in 2015 in the journal PLoS One found that the overall pain, joint pain, and fatigue reported by psoriatic arthritis patients was significantly greater than that reported by people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, How fast does psoriatic arthritis progress? The majority of cases begin with the skin condition and then progress to joint pain within seven to 10 years. Recent studies have found that patients with psoriasis who develop severe fatigue, heel pain, and joint pain without overt swelling are more likely to develop PsA.
What Is Aching Legs A Symptom Of
- The majority of cases of leg pain are caused by degeneration, excessive usage, or injury to the joints or bones, as well as to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues.
- It may be possible to trace certain forms of leg discomfort back to issues in your lower spine.
- There are a number of conditions that can lead to leg discomfort, including blood clots, varicose veins, and poor circulation.
You May Like: What Is The Best Cream For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chair Selection Is Important
It can be extremely difficult to get in different types of seats, depending on their height, width, and design, because of pain or stiffness. Luckily, I was a chemistry teacher, so I had lab stools, which were much easier for me, Dishner says. But outside school, I would find myself scanning a room to find the right chair.
Psoriatic Arthritis And Sleep
Is your PsA causing you sleepless nights? Here’s why and how to get the rest you need.
People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more likely to have trouble sleeping. The authors of a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2016 found obstructive sleep apnea was so common in people with psoriasis that they suggested patients should be screened for it.
If youre having trouble sleeping, you already know about the fatigue it causes. You may be feeling effects like trouble concentrating, remembering things or mood changes. Poor sleep increases the risk of weight gain and obesity, which puts extra stress on your joints. As if that werent enough, disrupted sleep can worsen joint pain, and some experts think it may increase inflammation, too.
Recognizing the issues that are affecting your sleep can help you find relief.
Symptom Control is Critical
Painful joints or itchy skin may make it hard to fall asleep or stay that way. Chronic pain is associated with disruptive and un-refreshing sleep, says John Davis III, MD, rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. To stop the vicious cycle of pain interrupting sleep which leads to more pain act quickly. If youre having trouble sleeping or experiencing a flare, talk to your rheumatologist and dermatologist. Adjusting your medications and making lifestyle changes may help to relieve symptoms.
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Disorders
Reviewed 3/15/22
Also Check: How Do You Get Arthritis In The Knee