Fight Fatigue symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). Psoriasis is a common skin condition that consists of patchy, raised, red areas of skin inflammation with scaling. Approximately 10% of patients who have psoriasis also develop an associated inflammation of their joints. Patients who have inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis.

How often do you feel tired? Very often, occasionally, rarely! Research states that people with Psoriasis or Psoriatic arthritis often feel tired even without resorting to physical stress. Fatigue is a common and well recognized symptom associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. What causes fatigue?

Some of the major factors leading to Psoriatic arthritis fatigue are listed below:

• Inflammation
• Inactivity
• Anemia
• Inadequate sleep
• Poor nutrition
• Depression

Tips to Manage Psoriatic arthritis Fatigue

Given the various factors contributing to fatigue associated with psoriatic arthritis, it is important to incorporate multiple fatigue fighting measures in your daily life.

Alternate periods of activity and rest: Balance each activity with the rest period. Schedule rest periods when your energy is lowest. Accepting small changes in your lifestyle helps you to fight fatigue.

Organize each day: Figure out what you have to do and when you need to do it. Prioritizing daily tasks help to conserve your energy.

Nutritious diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetable isan ideal way to combat stress and fatigue. Cut back on animal fats, fatty foods, saturated spreads and pre-packaged convenience food. Increase intake of vitamins which helps to boost production of energy in your body. Keep a check on deficiencies such as iron and Vitamin B. Don't skip meals, specifically morning breakfast. It serves as an initial energy booster. Stay well hydrated.

Get moving: Regular light to moderate exercise is one of the best strategies for combating fatigue. It helps to improve quality of life, physical fitness and maintain healthy weight. Start slowly with light and gentle exercise and gradually increasing your time. Do not overdo it. Use combination of strength building and aerobic exercise that revitalizes you during the day and promotes sleep at night.

Get plenty of sleep: Adequate sleep is necessary for people suffering from psoriatic arthritis, as they experience additional stress. Lack of sleep is strongly associated with increased levels of fatigue. Avoid heavy meals, coffee, caffeine products and alcohol before going to bed. These might cause restlessness and interfere with your sleep.

Relaxation and stress reduction: Stress intensifies fatigue and may make psoriatic arthritis symptomsworse. Try practicing simple stress reducing techniques such as listening to relaxing music, meditation, take few deep breaths, reading a good book or walking in a place of natural beauty.