15 Ways to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue

People with rheumatoid arthritis tend not to mention their tiredness to their doctor. Don’t make this mistake. Your doctor can’t help if he or she is unaware of the problem. These tips may also help.

Exercise increases muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and circulation, which makes movement easier and less painful. It also stimulates brain chemicals that produce energy and a feeling of well-being. Good choices are low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga.

Drugs for high blood pressure and antidepressants can cause tiredness. If you think a drug may be contributing to your fatigue, ask your doctor about a lower dosage or an alternative.

Depression is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. If you think you might be depressed, let your doctor know how you’re feeling.

Anemia affects up to 70 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have anemia, your blood does not carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body, which causes you to feel tired.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for developing hypothyroidism. Fatigue and joint and muscle pain can be symptoms.

Continued pain causes fatigue. Use pain medications, joint rest, and applications of heat or cold when needed.

Most people need seven to nine hours a night. If pain is keeping you awake, your rheumatoid arthritis medication may need to be adjusted or changed to get better control of inflammation. A mild sleep aid also may help.

Active rheumatoid arthritis may cause you to lose your appetite and not get enough energy-boosting nutrients. When possible, choose energy-promoting foods such as nuts, fruits, and protein (like eggs or low-fat yogurt).

Being overweight can lead to sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, and increase stress on joints as well as inflammation.

Taking stress off your joints when you need to by using a brace or cane can help reduce fatigue.

Are there certain times when your fatigue worsens? Jot it down, then work with your doctor to establish a pattern that may help you better predict—and be prepared for— episodes of fatigue.

Divide your tasks by thinking of your energy in terms of a budget that you must balance. Just as you wouldn’t spend all your money at the beginning of the month, don’t carry out all of your errands at one time.

Instead of making several trips up and down stairs, consolidate activities and complete all the tasks on one floor before moving to the next.

A 2011 study found that cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy used to change behavior patterns, may help relieve fatigue. People with RA who underwent twice-weekly sessions for six weeks reported significant improvements.

He or she can teach you how to conserve energy, relieve stress, practice relaxation techniques, and get better-quality sleep.