Fatigue.
Last updated Monday, January 03, 2005
|
Causes
What causes fatigue?
There are many causes of fatigue.
Some of the reasons people get fatigued are because of arthritis or
another chronic condition, depression, anemia, thyroid problems,
nutritional problems, lack of adequate sleep, or deconditioning.
Treating these conditions often leads to a reduction or elimination of
fatigue.
Causes differ from person to person. Fatigue may be caused by one factor or it may be caused by several factors.
What are physical causes of fatigue?
Disease
Fatigue may occur with many types of arthritis and other rheumatic
diseases, especially those that affect the whole body (muscles, skin,
blood, organs, as well as joints). These include rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause joint pain and swelling; lupus, which can cause a skin rash, joint pain, and problems with other organs; and fibromyalgia, which can cause extreme muscle aches and pain.
The process of inflammation can cause pain and swelling and also may
cause fatigue. If you experience a "flare," or period of worsening
joint inflammation, you're likely to become more fatigued.
Pain
If you have joint pain, you may use body positions that are
less painful to your joints. However, these positions can put extra
stress on your joints and muscles. This can lead to fatigue.
The physical and emotional energy you use trying to deal with
pain can make you feel fatigued. Pain also may lead to fatigue by
causing you to lose sleep or preventing you from really sleeping well.
Anemia
Several types of arthritis may be associated with anemia.
This is a problem in the blood. It is a decrease of a key ingredient in
your body's energy cycle. Anemia makes you feel tired. It cannot be
corrected just by taking iron pills.
Being less active
You may not feel like doing much if you're in pain, feeling
depressed, or if every task is a major effort. When you feel this way,
for example, you may do less work around your house or yard. But if you
don't get enough physical activity, your muscles will get weaker and
feel tired most of the time.
Other health problems
Health problems of the heart, lung, and thyroid also may make you feel very tired.
What are emotional causes of fatigue?
Living with any type of arthritis day after day can be emotionally draining. The following types of emotional stress can lead to fatigue:
Depression
The stress of an illness may make you feel sad or blue. You don't feel
like doing anything, going anywhere, or being with friends and family.
These feelings can make you feel tired. Being tired all the time, in
turn, can contribute to depression. It's a cycle that, at times, can be
difficult to escape.
Overextending yourself
"Most of my fatigue comes from overdoing," some people say.
"After all my years of living with arthritis, I still find it hard to
pace myself. The fatigue is always there in varying degrees. Sometimes
it is difficult to know when I've reached my limit. I don't always
listen to the signals of pain and fatigue. When I feel good, I push
myself too hard."
Do you feel the same way? If you answer "Yes," this may be
one cause of your fatigue. It's natural to want to keep up with your
regular activities. But with your arthritis, this may not always be
possible.
Trying to hide your illness from others
Some people don't want others to know they have arthritis.
They push themselves to do the same things, at the same pace, that
people without arthritis do. This usually results in having to "pay for
it" later.
What are environmental causes of fatigue?
Features of the environment (your surroundings) may add to your
fatigue. Loud noises and warmer temperatures may be tiring. For the
person with arthritis, uncomfortable furniture, lots of stairs, and
long waits may be very tiring.
How can a patient identify personal causes of fatigue?
Think back to the last time you were fatigued. In the following list, note the things you think add to your fatigue.
- arthritis flare
- depression
- pain
- anemia
- muscle weakness
- not enough exercise or activity
- emotional stress
- not eating properly
- not enough sleep
- lack of quality sleep
- overdoing daily tasks
- holidays
How useful was this page or article?
|