Without enough red blood cells, your muscles get tired fast, resulting in fatigue. Up to two-thirds of people with arthritis have a condition called anemia of chronic disease, which occurs when inflammatory chemicals interfere with the body's production of red blood cells. Lack of Sleep.
People describe it as being overwhelming and uncontrollable. They feel worn out and drained of energy, and sometimes even lose all interest in anything. It can increase the need for sleep and make it hard to concentrate or do anything.
Many people with arthritis say fatigue is one of their biggest challenges. Fatigue can be linked to many types of arthritis and related conditions. It's commonly a symptom of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis and lupus.
Does arthritis go away? No, but it can be managed. There is no cure for arthritis. However, treatment advances can help to minimize pain, improve range of motion, and prevent further damage.
Commonly used arthritis medications include: NSAIDs . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Many people blame their restless nights on arthritis pain. But research finds that the relationship actually works both ways — poor sleep can make your joint pain worse, and even increase the likelihood that you may become disabled or depressed.
You may feel tired, weak and ill. Some sufferers feel feverish, sweaty and lose their appetites, which can lead to weight loss. Many say they feel like they've been hit by a bus. As the joint lining becomes increasingly inflamed they swell and become red and hot to the touch.
The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down.
Walking is recommended for people with arthritis as it's low impact, helps to keep the joints flexible, helps bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you do experience pain or you're very stiff afterwards try doing a bit less, factor in more rest and check in with your GP, if you need to.
Low-impact aerobic activities do not put stress on the joints and include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes, and dancing.
More visibly swollen and tender joints
Perhaps the easiest way to tell if your RA is getting worse is if the number of visibly swollen and tender (another word for painful) joints is increasing.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report having trouble thinking clearly, problems with memory, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms, known as brain fog, can occur in people with chronic inflammatory conditions, including RA, Sjogren's syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.
Pain from arthritis can be constant or it may come and go. It may occur when at rest or while moving. Pain may be in one part of the body or in many different parts.
Studies show that people with RA are more likely to have stomach problems than the general population. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has an upper and lower section. And RA can affect either one. Research shows that people with RA are about 70% more likely to develop a gastrointestinal problem than people without RA.
Over time, not getting enough sleep can lead to exhaustion. This may make the body feel achy, sluggish, and heavy. Lack of sleep also affects the body's ability to repair tissues and cells. When the body does not have sufficient time to repair and recuperate, a person may experience aches and pains more frequently.
Usually it starts to hurt when you use the joint or right after you wake up. The pain also often gets worse at the end of the day.
"Doing nothing, regardless of what type of arthritis you have, is going to make your arthritis worse," says Cote. On rest days, he recommends gentle exercises that increase flexibility for arthritic joints.
Napping can be a mixed bag for people with inflammatory diseases, particularly arthritis, Dr. Rubenstein says. For many patients, even short naps can cause their joints to stiffen up, which causes pain, she says.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
Both heat and cold therapy may help ease symptoms of arthritis. Heat may help relieve aches and stiffness, while cold therapy may help ease swelling and pain. Applying heat or cold to affected parts of the body may help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis.
Some people with arthritis may require surgery. Arthritis surgery can help repair or replace a damaged joint. In doing so, it can reduce pain and improve the way the affected joint functions. There are different types of arthritis surgery, including arthroscopy, joint resurfacing, osteotomy, and TJR.