RA Fatigue — How to Lessen the Daily Impact

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Fatigue — How to Lessen the Daily Impact

Fatigue is a frequent symptom of RA. Fatigue may result from the disease process

itself, or it may be related to a variety of physical and emotional factors.

Fatigue can be particularly severe during a flare. When you compensate for

arthritis pain by favoring a joint, you place additional stress on other joints,

and this can tire you, since the muscles and tendons of those joints are

unaccustomed to the extra work. Fatigue and pain are likely to make you less

physically active, and this in turn leads to something called " disuse syndrome, "

a condition marked by more pain and fatigue. The anxiety and depression often

associated with RA can also worsen your fatigue.

Since the fatigue of RA is a combined result of the pain, inflammation,

physical stress, and emotional stress of the disease, it makes sense that

getting effective treatment for your RA can help combat your fatigue. Working

with your rheumatologist, physiotherapist, and other healthcare professionals to

develop a treatment plan can make a significant difference in the impact of

fatigue on your daily activities. In addition to the medication your

rheumatologist may prescribe, your treatment plan may include a combination of

exercise, rest, joint protection, the use of hot or cold applications to help

reduce pain, and a program of physical and occupational therapy.

The surest way to minimize fatigue is by practicing the four Ps:

 

Prioritize: Do the most important things first.

Pacing: Alternate between periods of activity and rest.

Planning: Develop a weekly schedule that sets a pace you can live with,

allows you to address your top priorities, and leaves you time for rest.

Posture: Distributing your workload evenly over several sets of strong

muscles can help you conserve energy.

Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional about

these and other strategies you can use to lessen the impact of fatigue on your

daily life. RA Horizons Tips

It's important to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. Research highlights the

benefits of Vitamin C and antioxidants in your diet. If you are looking for a

healthy snack, reach for an orange or a glass of orange juice for

disease-fighting antioxidants.

Sincerely,

The RA Horizons Team

 

 

In addition to treating the physical aspects of RA, you can lessen the impact of

fatigue by addressing the mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of RA.

Relaxation, imagery, focusing, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are

nonmedical pain management techniques that take advantage of the mind-body

connection and can also reduce stress, increase energy, and lessen fatigue.

Laughter - often called " the best medicine " - releases certain chemical

compounds in the body known as endorphins that contribute to a feeling of

euphoria (a pleasant, happy, energized feeling). Take greater control of the

management of your condition by bringing elements of mind,body, and spirit into

your treatment plan.

 

Visit these websites to learn more about living with RA.

 

Arthritis Foundation®

 

American Autoimmune Related

Diseases Association

 

National Library of Medicine

 

American College of Rheumatology

 

 

" Get off your ass and take your government back. " ~Rocky Ward