People with rheumatoid arthritis typically have several permanently inflamed joints. The inflammation can lead to weakness, drowsiness and exhaustion. This feeling of extreme tiredness is also called “fatigue.” Some people find this to be the worst symptom of the disease.Other typical symptoms are joint pain and swelling, and also joint stiffness and physical weakness later on. Non-specific symptoms like exhaustion often start earlier on in the disease. But the symptoms and course of rheumatoid arthritis can vary greatly.Periods of severe symptoms or very advances stages of the condition can sometimes cause fatigue. Fatigue is different than normal feelings of tiredness. People describe it as being overwhelming and uncontrollable. They feel worn out and drained of energy, and sometimes even lose all interest in anything.How can fatigue affect your life?It can increase the need for sleep and make it hard to concentrate or do anything. Constantly feeling exhausted and not being able to m...
