Is Fatigue a Symptom of Osteoarthritis?
Historically, fatigue has not been associated with osteoarthritis but considered one of the symptoms of chronic rheumatoid disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, that's only because fatigue has not been regularly evaluated among people with osteoarthritis (OA).
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Not Enough Research
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Most of the people who suffer from osteoarthritis are not under rheumatological care. A lot of them may not even seek medical treatment and simply grin and bear living with creaky, swollen, stiff and achy age-related joints. Studies continue to be done to see if OA sufferers experience fatigue as do RA or lupus patients.
Mental vs Physical Fatigue
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In a study conducted in 2004, individuals suffering from OA were able to distinguish between being sleep deprived, which resulted in them being tired, versus fatigue, which the participants perceived differently. They were also able to tell the different in mental fatigue versus physical fatigue.
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Influential Factors
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Factors that exacerbated their fatigue included the weather, restless sleep, pain medications, the pain they were experiencing from OA and their age. Those participating in the study reported that the fatigue was impacting their social activities, their ability to do household chores and their physical function. Most coped by resting or exercising and avoiding doing certain things that was beyond their physical capabilities. The conclusion was that fatigue among OA suffers is pervasive and has a huge impact on the quality of their lives.
Ramifications
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Those suffering from OA can be seriously impacted by fatigue, which can last for long periods of time and persists even after resting. When an individual is fatigued, it is described as depletion of motivation as well as tremendous exhaustion. Ironically, OA is not considered a chronic condition, as is RA, but perhaps that theory will change as more and more studies are done. Fatigue is a symptom of disease and chronic disorders, so it appears that this aspect of OA, according to those who are suffering from it and from fatigue, has been overlooked for years.
Evidence Mounting
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A study that was published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders dealt with the notion that OA does not cause fatigue. It was discovered during this study that 40 percent of those with OA suffer from fatigue symptoms Some of those studies stated that their fatigue was debilitating at times and both emotionally and physically draining. They claimed that the fatigue altered their mental state, and not for the better.
Other Issues
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According to Biomedcentral.com, in its Fatigue in Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study, it was determined that those suffering from OA-induced fatigue also have problems with stress, depression, frustration, emotions, mood and anger. It is believed that the pain leads to these other conditions.
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