When living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you will have to deal with the severe fatigue caused by this chronic condition. Fatigue is different from the general feeling of tiredness. It can be uncontrollable and overwhelming which makes you feel worn out all the time. People with RA fatigue may experience drained out of energy and they might lose interest to do anything. The severe fatigue along with other chronic rheumatology symptoms including joint pain can make RA patients’ lives difficult.
What Causes RA Fatigue?
Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues by mistaking them for foreign invaders. This condition can trigger severe inflammatory responses across the body. The antibodies that are responsible for creating the inflammation associated with RA can impact your central nervous system too. Hence, higher levels of inflammation can cause severe fatigue in RA patients.
The fatigue caused by rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to control. Nothing might help you to recover from the persistent tiredness resulting from this condition, not even sleep.
Additionally, RA can also lead to long-lasting joint pain that can also make people worn out by the end of the day. Hence, this chronic condition can have a severe impact on your energy levels. The severe fatigue, persistent pain, inability to move, etc. caused by RA is found to make people suffering from this condition anxious, irritable, and depressed.
Also, extreme tiredness can make it difficult for you to engage in activities you love or spend quality time with your friends and family. This can also cause RA patients to develop depression over time. The RA pain, fatigue, and depression can create a vicious cycle, as one issue may increase the intensity of the other.
There are certain ways you may be able to deal with the fatigue resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. They include:
Asking Your Doctor To Prescribe Medications
Your doctor might be able to prescribe medications to control inflammation thereby reducing fatigue. But the long-term use of such medications is not recommended.
Engaging In Regular Exercises
Low-impact workouts might help to control your RA symptoms along with boosting energy levels and aiding you to get better sleep. This can be helpful to alleviate fatigue effectively.
Getting Proper Rest
It is important to get enough rest if you have RA. Take small breaks during your work or other activities you do. Make sure not to overstress yourself, as this can increase fatigue.
Eating healthy foods, drinking more water, sticking to a proper sleep routine, etc. can also help to effectively manage your RA fatigue.
