Absolutely, and you're far from alone in this. Fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of RA — studies show people with RA experience fatigue levels four to eight times higher than those without the condition.
Many myRAteam members describe leg fatigue and pain that makes even simple tasks feel Show Full Answer
Absolutely, and you're far from alone in this. Fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of RA — studies show people with RA experience fatigue levels four to eight times higher than those without the condition.
Many myRAteam members describe leg fatigue and pain that makes even simple tasks feel impossible. One myRAteam member shared that standing for more than a minute causes severe pain in their feet and legs, while another described the sensation as feeling like a nutcracker squeezing their legs. RA-related fatigue can stem from several things, including:
- Chronic inflammation — RA causes high inflammation levels that drain energy
- Joint pain — constant pain is exhausting, even when resting
- Sleep disturbances — pain at night disrupts rest and worsens daytime fatigue
- Depression or anxiety — common companions of chronic pain
Some comorbidities like anemia can also make fatigue worse, so it's worth mentioning leg and back fatigue specifically to your rheumatologist. They may want to review your medications or run some tests.
In the meantime, gentle movement like chair yoga, stretching, or short walks can sometimes help manage fatigue without overloading the body.
May 10
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