Important Takeaways Regarding Fatigue

Fatigue is beyond drowsiness. It is a feeling of insufficient energy and severe weariness that can keep you in bed for a lengthy period. Although not a major concern, you should seek medical intervention if your symptoms persist or affect your daily routine. For Lawrenceville fatigue concerns, contact Performance Pain and Sports Medicine providers to receive expert diagnosis and a personalized treatment strategy to get you back on your feet. Call your nearest clinic to speak to a provider or go online to schedule a fatigue consultation today.

What is Fatigue?

Fatigue is not the same as sleepiness. While you may feel weary after a period of inadequate rest or strenuous physical exercise, sleepiness is usually temporary. Fatigue is a state of tiredness that persists even after resting or sleeping. Unlike sleepiness, it is more likely to be a chronic issue that prevents you from executing daily duties such as going to work, taking showers, and preparing meals.

You may also experience the following symptoms depending on the nature and reason of your fatigue:

Headache
Muscle aches and pains
Daytime drowsiness
Slowed response time
Irritability and mood changes
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of motivation
Vision problems

Fatigue could become a public health problem if it causes safety concerns, such as trouble concentrating while driving.

Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue can be triggered by various factors, including physical and mental health conditions and lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise habits. Your team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine evaluates and treats a wide range of fatigue causes, including:

Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia
Medical issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Being overweight or underweight
Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disorders and pregnancy
Too much or too little activity
Certain kinds of arthritis, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Consuming alcohol or caffeine
Certain medications, including antidepressants and anxiety medications
Nutritional issues, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Sleep complications, including insomnia and jet lag
Mental health concerns, including worry, anxiety, and depression

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) denotes a severe medical disorder that causes fatigue.

How Is Fatigue Diagnosed and Treated?

First, your Performance Pain and Sports Medicine expert conducts a comprehensive physical exam and discusses your symptoms and medical history with you. They may do some diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your fatigue, such as:

Imaging tests, such as X-ray
Blood and urine tests
Mental health questionnaires

If experts feel you have a sleep condition, they may direct you to a specialist to undertake a sleep study.

After identifying the source of your fatigue, the team develops a personalized treatment strategy for you. Treatment for fatigue may include one or more of the following, depending on your needs: