Psoriatic Arthritis Fatigue: Causes and Management Tips

Fatigue is more than just tiredness after a long day or a bad night's sleep. It's a deep sense of physical and mental exhaustion that doesn't go away even after getting enough rest. For people with PsA, fatigue can be a chronic issue, affecting all areas of daily life.

At its simplest, PsA fatigue is a byproduct of the swelling process of the body. Swelling is one of the defining features of arthritis. It triggers a cascade of immune reactions that impact the joints and disrupt normal body functions, including how we save energy and sleep. This disruption can lead to fatigue.

Fatigue is not just a by-product of pain and physical challenges; it is an independent symptom of PsA that needs tobe addressed and managed. Awareness of fatigue in this situation is important in order to effectively address its effects on people's lives.

Can Psoriatic Arthritis Make You Tired?

Absolutely.

PsA can make you tired, and this fatigue is often not the same as to the level of physical activity ordinarily recorded. Studies have shown that a majority of individuals with inflammatory arthritis experience tiredness, from half to as high as 8 in 10 people. This tiredness can even persist during disease remission, highlighting the complexity of the condition.

The reasons behind this fatigue are different. The swelling process directly impacts the energy levels. Other factors such as pain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms like depression and anxiety can also contribute to tiredness, as of a secondary nature due to the condition. With flare-ups and periods of remission, strangely, this can further worsen the fatigue, as individuals take on the physical and emotional toll.

By addressing the underlying inflammatory causes that lead to these and trying to improve sleep quality, pain management, and support mental well-being, individuals can improve their own outcomes.

The Link Between Arthritis and Fatigue

The connection between arthritis and fatigue is complicated. Swelling is at the centre of arthritis and the onset of fatigue. These cause swelling and joint damage and affect the central nervous system, disrupting normal sleep patterns and energy balance.

Studies have found that individuals who possess higher levels of inflammatory signs are likely to experience fatigue, identifying the direct link in arthritis and fatigue. Also, research has verified that proper swelling control through medicines, such as biological medicines, alleviates fatigue symptoms, thereby further explaining the bond between fatigue and arthritis.

However, arthritis fatigue is not totally a result of inflammation. Pain, another key symptom of arthritis, can cause fatigue by poor sleep and limiting activity. Also the burden of living with a chronic disease like arthritis can be debilitating, contributing to fatigue and exhaustion.

Living with PsA fatigue can often feel like an uphill battle, but there are things you can do to help manage this condition. From small lifestyle adjustments to actual medical interventions, here's a guide to managing PsA fatigue from our experts at Healthwords.

1. Prioritise Rest and Sleep

Rest. Ensuring enough rest and focussing on quality sleep is crucial for managing fatigue. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule. Try creating a bedtime routine, and improve your sleep environment.

Avoid caffeine, and electronics before bedtime, and consider relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to help you unwind after a long day.

2. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is important for managing PsA fatigue. Pace yourself, and avoid overdoing things by spliting tasks into smaller chunks and regular rest breaks throughout the day.

Balance activities with rest periods, and listen to your body's signals to avoid pushing yourself too hard.

3. Stay Active

While tiredness may make exercise daunting, staying active can help long-term fatigue and improve overall energy levels. The initial struggle is beneficial long-term.

Choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, which can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness without placing undue stress on your joints.

Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as tolerated.

4. Manage Stress

Stress has been proven to increase fatigue and worsen symptoms of PsA.

Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies that you enjoy into your routine to help reduce and manage stress levels.

Additionally, consider seeking additional support from your doctor or friends and family for dealing with stress.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet can help fully help overall health and energy levels as well. Try to aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains of value in your meals, and stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Avoid consuming highly processed foods, high-sugar snacks, and lots of caffeine, which can contribute to crashes and fatigue.

6. Seek Medical Treatment

If all of the above lifestyle modifications are not doing the trick to manage your PsA fatigue, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. They may recommend disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biological therapies to help control inflammation and reduce tiredness. Additionally, they may look at any underlying medical conditions or comorbidities, such as sleep apnoea or depression, can also help alleviate fatigue.

While PsA is a significant contributor to fatigue in individuals, it's also worth considering other possible causes of fatigue. Common causes that can contribute to fatigue include:

1. Poor sleep, such as insomnia or sleep apnoea

2. Some medications used to treat PsA or other medical conditions

3. Anaemia - low red blood cell count due to:

   • Iron-deficiency

   • Vitamin B12-deficiency

   • Folate-deficiency

   • Others

4. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

5. Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

If you're experiencing long-term fatigue, it's important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor or rheumatologist to make sure of any underlying medical conditions and so you can mange the symptoms.

PsA fatigue is one of the more difficult symptoms that can really affect your quality of life.

Once you understand the connection between arthritis and fatigue and learn ways to manage your symptoms, you can regain control over your energy levels and enhance your overall sense of well-being. From rest and sleep to staying active and seeking medical attention when you need it, there you can do to reduce fatigue and live a full and satisfying life with PsA. Don't forget to listen to your body, pace yourself, and seek the assistance of medical professionals and family and friends along the way to better fatigue.