New Study Reveals Factors That May Cause Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

(Newswire.net — June 8, 2018) Orlando, FL — Having rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating, due to the fact that it causes various symptoms and discomfort. Pain is one of the most unfortunate consequences of having the condition. However, there are other symptoms such as fatigue.

A new study reveals factors that may cause fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Fatigue is one of the major concerns for sufferers and it may hinder them from staying functional and living a good quality of life.

The researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, collected data on 158 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. They conducted assessments on factors such as depression, sleep quality, disease activity, physical activity, functional limitations, muscle strength, medication use, smoking and body composition.

The results revealed that higher levels of self-reported disease activity such as depression, poor sleep, and obesity were associated with fatigue independently. The researchers suggest that lack of exercise may have indirect connection with fatigue.

The researchers added that fatigue may not solely result from rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. However, it may result from various factors such as pain, rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, obesity, depression, inactivity and poor sleep.

They suggest that there may be some useful interventions to improve fatigue among individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. This may include addressing obesity or depression or increasing physical activity.

According to Dr. Katherine Free, research liaison and Communications Manager at Arthritis Research UK, the research reveals the complexities of fatigue as well as the major impact it may have on the quality of life of arthritis sufferers.

The study reinforces the relevance of staying physically active as well as pursuing the things people love. Exercise is not only believed to benefit fatigue, but also reduce pain and improve overall health.

There are many things that arthritis sufferers can do to help improve their overall condition. There are those who use pain medications to achieve pain relief. Unfortunately, the use of certain pain medications has been associated with side effects. Their pain-relieving effects are also temporary.

There are natural alternatives for these pharmaceutical drugs such as fish oil supplements. Fish oil contains omega-3 fats, which are essential for brain and body functions. Omega-3 fats can also be obtained from eating fish such as salmon and tuna.

Omega-3 fatty acids are popularized by the potential anti-inflammatory properties they may contain. Fish oil is a popular natural alternative among individuals with arthritis. There are consumers who also take this supplement in hopes to increase their immunity against a variety of conditions.

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