Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) symptoms fluctuate. Symptoms worsen during flare-ups but improve or go away altogether during remission. During episodes, fatigue may be a significant issue.
Psoriatic Arthritis & Fatigue
Doctors and scientists agree that chronic tiredness is a major issue for those who suffer from the psoriatic disease. When you're feeling fatigued, it may be challenging to carry out even the most basic of everyday tasks. The experts they consulted indicated it might lead to difficulties in the workplace, a heightened sense of isolation, and a general decline in quality of life.
There are a variety of ways in which PsA might sap your energy. Painful physical symptoms are common with PsA. Cytokines are proteins produced by the body as a byproduct of the inflammatory response. The body secretes similar proteins to ward off a cold or flu. This might cause you to feel exhausted. Fatigue is a common symptom of PsA, and the condition may also contribute to other sources of illness, such as anemia, obesity, and depression.
Pain from PsA can make it hard to sleep, which can lead to:
- difficulty falling asleep
- frequently waking up
- sleep that is not refreshing
Constant suffering from PsA may wear a person down. Since it must be taken into account while making decisions and carrying out routine activities, it adds to an already stressful mental burden. Being exhausted might also heighten your perception of pain. Many drugs that alleviate PsA-related discomfort also cause drowsiness and a lack of energy. A person may experience drowsiness even though they are not really fatigued because of the effects of medicine on their sleep schedule.
Co-occurring illnesses may increase the likelihood of fatigue in patients with PsA. Included in this list of predicaments are:
- anxiety or depression
- anemia
- obesity
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- uveitis
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When To Seek Medical Help
If you've noticed any of the following symptoms of exhaustion or if your weariness makes it difficult for you to go about your daily life, it's best to schedule an appointment with your doctor. In order to determine whether there is a more serious underlying ailment or cause, a doctor will do further diagnostic testing. The exhaustion associated with PsA may be managed with the aid of medicines and strategies recommended by a specialist.
3 Lifestyle Tips To Help Manage It
Taking control of your lifestyle and making certain adjustments can make living with PsA easier. Here are 3 lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage:
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Exercise
Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and general well-being and may even reduce aches and stiffness. When you work out, your body releases endorphins. They are effective antidepressants, mood boosters, and energy boosters. Low-impact exercise benefitspeople with PsA provided that it does not aggravate their symptoms. Possible aids include yoga, swimming, and tai chi.
Diet and weight management
Being overweight is associated with inflammation, which is a typical sign of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Excess weight may hinder mobility and stress several bodily systems, including the lungs. A lack of sleep and a busy schedule might have the same effect. Additionally, joint discomfort may be exacerbated by joint tension.
A healthy weight might increase your stamina. The following are some suggestions for maintaining a healthy weight:
- A diet with lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid excess fat, added sugar, and salt.
- Drink lots of fluids, preferably water, to stay hydrated.
- Consuming less or no alcohol.
Eating a wide variety of fresh, plant-based, and whole meals may be beneficial in many ways. It could be helpful for:
- Reaching and keeping a healthy weight
- Helping the body do things better, like digestion
- Avoiding other problems and complications, like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Keeping a steady source of energy by keeping blood sugar from going up and down
Dietary intake of simple sugars and processed carbohydrates should be limited. The energy boost from these may not last very long, however.
Rest and sleep
One of the first signals of a flare is fatigue, but getting some rest may help alleviate the condition. When experiencing, or fearing the onset of, a flare-up, people with PsA should prepare to do things at a more leisurely pace. Listed below are some suggestions:
- Plan times to rest or do less during the day to give your body time to recover.
- Get enough sleep, and maybe even more than most people need. If someone has to get up earlier than usual, they should try to go to bed earlier.
- Set up a routine that includes leaving your phone outside the room.
- Ask for help with childcare and chores when you can't do them on your own, and be ready to say "no" to extra tasks and requests for support from others.
- In some situations, a mobility device like a scooter could help a person get around.
Although these strategies won't eliminate the issues associated with fatigue, they may assist a person in maintaining sufficient energy to accomplish vital tasks.
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What Are Some Treatments
A doctor may be able to recommend a therapy that will assist if a patient's weariness persists despite changes to their lifestyle.
Examples include:
- Some antidepressants or psychostimulants may help.
- Treatments with iron: Anemia can cause a lot of fatigue.
- Sleep aids: If pain or stress keeps a person from sleeping well, prescription sleep aids may help them get a better night's rest. This can help you feel less tired.
- Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other types of counseling may help people tired because of anxiety, depression, or the difficulties of living with chronic pain.
