A to Z of Arthritis: F is for Fatigue

09 September 2010 (updated: 12 January 2011)
print version send to a friend share on facebook share on linkedin
'A to Z of Arthritis: F is for Fatigue' image

The fatigue that comes with arthritis has been compared to walking through thick mud, working 24 hours a day or having a 100-pund pack strapped to your back. Fatigue has been widely ignored as a smyptom even though for many people with arthritis it may be more of a problem than pain.

While fatigue may make it hard just to get out of bed, a little activity can help a lot. So can a frank conversation with your doctor, as fatigue is sometimes a symptom of an underlying medical problem such as anaemia, chronic pain, medication side effects or an underactive thyroid.