Arthritis: Doctor gives advice on best foods to help ease pain

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There are different types of arthritis. The symptoms you might experience depend on the type of arthritis you have. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause one particular symptom that affects the way you feel.

As arthritis affects joints, the majority of symptoms linked to this condition are also apparent in this area.

However, there are also extra-articular – outside of the joints – symptoms that might occur.

One of these symptoms is tiredness, which can be common when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis.

Tiredness and arthritis “go hand in hand” as the main problems are the inflammatory disease process and the accompanying chronic pain, according to Arthritis Foundation.

Anaemia is another sign of arthritis, which can also cause you to feel tired.

Anaemia is a shortage of red blood cells. Without these blood cells, your muscles get tired which can result in overall fatigue.

Up to two-thirds of people with arthritis have a condition called anaemia of chronic disease.

This usually occurs when inflammatory chemicals interfere with the body’s production of red blood cells, reports Arthritis Foundation.

However, there are some other factors linked to arthritis that could be making you tired.

For example, some people with severe inflammatory arthritis also have a condition called cachexia, which causes your muscle mass to decrease and tiredness to increase.

Another cause could be a lack of sleep caused by arthritis pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to target affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.

One way to beat tiredness is physical activity, according to Patient.info.

Depending on what other underlying problem is your arthritis causing, medication could also be beneficial.

For example, when you suffer from anaemia that’s consequently making you tired, trying iron supplements could help.

Other tips that could tackle tiredness are lifestyle habits ranging from eating well to practising sleep hygiene, Arthritis Foundation suggests.

Some other common arthritis symptoms that are worth keeping an eye out for are:

• Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
• Inflammation in and around the joints
• Restricted movement of the joints
• Warm red skin over the affected joint
• Weakness and muscle wasting.

The NHS says it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis if you suffer from any of these.

There’s currently no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments and remedies available that can help slow it down.

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