Joint pain isn’t the only symptom of psoriatic arthritis. In fact, it might not even be your most pressing concern. “Many people with psoriatic arthritis say their fatigue is an even bigger problem than the pain,” says Hayes Wilson, MD, a rheumatologist at Piedmont Rheumatology Consultants in Atlanta.
To deal with fatigue, experts suggest that people with an inflammatory disease budget their energy, like some people do with money or calories. This strategy is known as the “spoon theory.” Every task you do — getting out of bed, showering, walking, driving — uses a “spoon” of energy, says Dr. Wilson. And as the day goes on, you’ll have fewer and fewer spoons.
Finding ways to conserve energy can help fight fatigue. Here are six strategies to try.
1. Prioritize Your ‘Must-Dos’
Writing out a schedule at night can also help you prioritize important tasks for the next day.
2. Take Breaks Between Activities
While it may be tempting to push yourself when you’re feeling well, it’s best to pace yourself instead, says Wilson. For example, if you complete a task that requires more effort, follow it up with an easier one. It’s all about listening to your body and taking breaks as needed.
And don’t forget to conserve your energy for special events and get plenty of rest the night before.
3. Don’t Knock the Power Nap
Simply put, some people need more sleep than others, and psoriatic arthritis fatigue can certainly contribute to daytime sleepiness.
4. Prep Meals Ahead of Time
It’s no secret that hunger can cause fatigue, but cooking and meal prep require a lot of energy. So it makes sense to use some of your energy on Saturday or Sunday to prepare multiple meals and freeze them for easy use during the week. On high-energy days, you can even double up on soups, stews, and sauces to build a freezer stash — as long as you remember to pace yourself.
5. Set Reasonable Fitness Goals
Regular exercise can help boost your energy levels — but not if you overdo it. Taking on too much exercise too quickly can lead to muscle soreness and extra pain and inflammation.
6. Get Organized to Make Everything More Accessible
“Energy conservation is largely a skill that is based on organization,” Wilson says. If you’re doing laundry, for instance, gather everything you need in the basket and carry it to the washer, so you only have to make one trip. Keep your loads small, so you aren’t overwhelmed by a lot of lifting and folding.
Another idea: Arrange your workspace so that everything is within reach. For example, buy front-loading appliances and mount them high, so you don’t have to do a lot of bending and reaching. Or iron while sitting on a high chair rather than standing. “When you organize tasks so they require the least amount of energy, you can operate at peak efficiency,” Wilson says.
The Takeaway
- Fatigue is a common psoriatic arthritis symptom that can interfere with your daily activities.
- Taking steps to conserve your energy throughout the day with strategies such as getting organized, taking breaks between activities, and fitting in a power nap can help you stay on top of life’s demands.
- At the end of the day, you have to listen to your body and adjust your days accordingly when psoriatic arthritis fatigue strikes.