Fatigue and malaise are very real and common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In fact, between 30% and 40% of people with PsA experience fatigue — and it's more than just feeling tired. It's an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest and can affect both your body and mind.
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member Show Full Answer
Fatigue and malaise are very real and common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In fact, between 30% and 40% of people with PsA experience fatigue — and it's more than just feeling tired. It's an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest and can affect both your body and mind.
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member put it, "The fatigue is insidious and, I think, an underappreciated component of PsA." There are a few key reasons why PsA causes fatigue:
- Inflammation — PsA triggers your immune system, causing inflammation that drains your energy
- Chronic pain — Ongoing joint pain makes it harder to stay active, which worsens fatigue over time
- Sleep disruption — Pain can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, creating a cycle where poor sleep makes pain feel worse
- Mood impact — Feelings of depression, which are common with PsA, can also intensify fatigue One helpful strategy is keeping a fatigue diary. Tracking the following can help you and your doctor spot patterns and find solutions:
- Times when fatigue starts and stops
- Sleep quality and duration
- Physical activity or exercise
- Food and drink intake
- PsA flare-ups
Talking to your doctor about managing inflammation through medication can also help, as fatigue often improves when PsA is better controlled.
August 17
Join
Your Privacy Choices
