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What causes the overwhelming fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis?

The main culprit behind RA fatigue is the high levels of inflammation in your body. RA is an inflammatory condition, and this ongoing inflammation causes feelings of sickness and low energy that go far beyond normal tiredness.

RA fatigue is also closely linked Show Full Answer

What causes the overwhelming fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis?

The main culprit behind RA fatigue is the high levels of inflammation in your body. RA is an inflammatory condition, and this ongoing inflammation causes feelings of sickness and low energy that go far beyond normal tiredness.

RA fatigue is also closely linked to:
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Joint pain
- Sleep disturbances like sleep apnea
- Disability from RA

Additional factors that can make fatigue worse include certain comorbidities that often occur with RA, such as:
- Anemia (which can be a side effect of methotrexate or result from ongoing inflammation)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Asthma
- COPD

If your fatigue is interfering with your daily life, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help identify if there are other conditions contributing to your exhaustion and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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