Chronic fatigue is more than a general feeling of tiredness because exhaustion cannot be solved by good sleep. It is closely related to brain fog and the inability to perform, and a lack of motivation to perform. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the autoimmune disorders that causes chronic tiredness in individuals.
Fatigue is one of the common experiences caused by RA that presents difficulty in their life. Six potential factors behind the person with RA having chronic fatigue are stated below. Such causes can either act independently or in combination to cause fatigue to a person.
- Inflammation
Researchers continue to learn more about the connections between fatigue and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. There is evidence that suggests inflammation may play a role in fatigue and that anti-inflammatory medication may help some people feel less tired. Fatigue can stay around when CRP or ESR blood tests show normal inflammation levels.
Some experts have speculated that this means that fatigue and inflammation are independent of each other or that there are yet-to-be-identified inflammation markers other than CRP and ESR that better indicate RA disease activity and fatigue.
- Joint Pain
Much to the support of the theory, many doctors believe that the primary cause of RA fatigue is not inflammation but rather discomfort associated with joint aggravation. Fatigue and Joint pain usually work hand in hand, and even in cases where there is no evidence of high inflammation on blood tests, fatigue and Joint pain may still be present.
Nevertheless, one can also have signs of fatigue without joint pain. Another factor may be in place when fatigue persists despite successful treatment of inflammation and pain.
- Sleep Apnea
Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can be 75% more susceptible than others to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted and then resumes during sleep repeatedly. Sleep apnea impacts how much oxygen the body absorbs, and it makes one feel drowsy even after a good night’s sleep.
Sleep apnea does not appear to be connected to RA inflammation, which could account for fatigue remaining after other RA symptoms are well managed. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be identified and treated. This is usually done by the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or another treatment device to help improve oxygen breathing during sleep.
4. Mental Health Conditions
People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to be dealing with fatigue-related mental health problems. It is well established that RA, depression, and exhaustion are intimately related. Fatigue may also be linked to mood disorders such as anxiety, stress, and others.
It’s unclear if mental health conditions directly contribute to weariness. It’s possible that those who experience problems like anxiety and depression are more prone to having sleep problems. Additionally, sleepiness is listed as a side effect of numerous anxiety and antidepressant drugs. In this area, more research is required.
5. Anemia
Researchers suggest up to 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have anemia. This condition is associated with low iron levels and fatigue. There are numerous potential causes of anemia. For example, you might not be consuming enough meals high in iron. Your body’s capacity to absorb iron may be impacted by alterations in the lining of your gastrointestinal system brought on by specific illnesses and drugs.
Together, you and your doctor can determine the root cause and suggest a course of action. Not every specialist agrees that anemia is a major factor in RA patients’ fatigue.
6. Adverse effects of medication
Despite being effective treatments for RA, several drugs can cause fatigue. Methotrexate, for example, can make you tired. Although they might not directly cause fatigue, certain medications may raise your chance of developing depression, weakness, or sleeplessness, all of which can exacerbate fatigue.
You can find out if your medication, or combination of medications, may make you feel tired by speaking with your doctor or pharmacist. You can talk to a rheumatoid arthritis doctor in Delhiif you develop any symptoms.
Managing Fatigue: Simple Ways That Help
Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue may be so heavy to bear, and it does not have a single solution. It can help a lot by doing a couple of things together:
1. Early and proper treatment
The early and proper treatment of arthritis might allow you to reduce pain, enhance sleep, and raise your spirits.
Even when the disease is controlled, the fatigue may not be gone immediately-it may take a few months to note some positive change. However, things improve with time.
2. Move your body
One of the greatest ways to handle fatigue is exercise. It boosts your energy, improves the state of your joints, promotes a good night’s sleep, and elevates your mood. You don’t have to go for a marathon; just a simple walk, some stretching, or swimming would do perfectly. Thirty minutes a day would be sufficient, even if done in short bursts. Whatever you choose, make sure you like it and stick to it.
3. Sleep smarter
Poor sleep makes fatigue worse. Many people with arthritis have trouble sleeping. Good sleep is about quality more than quantity. Try going to bed at the same time every night and keeping your room dark and quiet. Avoid relying on sleeping pills—they can make things worse. Mindfulness or meditation apps can help you relax and sleep better.
4. Try talk therapy
How you think and feel affects how tired you feel. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a kind of talk therapy, has been shown to improve sleep, mood, and fatigue in people with arthritis. Other calming practices like yoga and breathing exercises can also help manage stress and boost your energy.
Discuss your fatigue with your doctor
The above six things may as well cause fatigue coupled with infections, thyroid, and nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12 and D. Diagnosing the underlying cause of fatigue remains a difficult task, both to the patients and doctors.
The more you discuss your fatigue with your doctor and tell him or her how it affects you in life, the greater chance you and your medical attendant will have to implement measures to lessen it. You can search for the top orthopedic doctor in Delhi to discuss your health condition and get proper treatment.
