Fatigue is much more than just drowsiness; it is a sensation of acute exhaustion and lack of energy that could make getting out of bed difficult. The compassionate staff at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine provides extensive and tailored examination and care for fatigue in Lawrenceville, and Raritan, New Jersey; and Houston, Texas. If you are experiencing chronic weariness, call the nearest office to arrange a consultation or book online.
What Exactly Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is not the same as sleepiness. Although you might feel weary after a spell of insufficient sleep or strenuous physical exercise, sleepiness is usually just temporary.
Fatigue is an exhausting sensation that persists despite sleeping or resting. Unlike sleepiness, fatigue is a long-lasting issue that prevents you from performing daily duties such as going to work, showering, and cooking.
Based on the nature and reason for your fatigue, you could also encounter the following symptoms:
- A lack of motivation
- Pains and aches in the muscles
- Changes in mood and irritability
- Daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Reduced response time
- Concentration problems
- Vision issues
Fatigue becomes a public health concern if it poses safety issues, such as trouble concentrating while driving.
What Are The Common Causes Of Fatigue?
Fatigue could be caused by various factors, including physical and psychological health issues, as well as lifestyle factors such as exercise and nutrition habits. The specialists at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine assess and manage numerous causes of fatigue, including:
- Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia
- Excessive or insufficient activity
- Being underweight or overweight
- Particular types of arthritis, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Health conditions like hypertension and diabetes
- Particular medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants
- Sleep issues, like jet lag and insomnia
- Lung and heart conditions such as coronary heart disease and asthma
- Psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and stress
- Hormonal imbalances, including pregnancy and thyroid problems
- Nutritional concerns, including mineral and vitamin deficits
- Consuming alcohol or caffeine
Fatigue could also be its own chronic disorder, referred to as Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
How To Diagnose And Treat Fatigue?
Performance Pain and Sports Medicine experts start by performing a comprehensive physical examination and reviewing your symptoms and health records. They might perform a range of diagnostic tests to figure out what is causing your fatigue, including:
- Questionnaires on mental health
- Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound
- Urine and blood tests
If your doctor feels that you have a sleep problem, they might recommend you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study.
After determining the root of your fatigue, the staff develops a personalized care plan. Based on your needs, therapy for fatigue might include one or more of the following:
Exercising regularly
Changes in sleeping patterns
Hormone treatments
Habitual changes in drinking and eating
Alternative therapies, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga
If your exhaustion is triggered by an inherent health condition, such as hypertension or fibromyalgia, your therapy might start with treating that problem.
For professional care in managing fatigue, contact Performance Pain and Sports Medicine. To get started, call the office or use the online booking tool to book an appointment.
