Fatigue manifests as a lack of energy and extreme weariness limiting you from completing simple tasks like getting out of bed. Each case of fatigue differs from the next based on its underlying causes. Performance Pain and Sports Medicine offers an all-inclusive and customized treatment for fatigue in Lawrenceville, NJ, Raritan, NJ, and Houston, TX. Finding the difference between sleep problems and fatigue is sure to improve your life’s quality going forth.
What is Fatigue
Fatigue refers to a feeling of extreme exhaustion that persists after a good sleep or rest. As an ongoing problem, fatigue may prevent you from accomplishing simple and demanding tasks at home and work.
Fatigue is mainly confused with sleepiness. You may feel tired after poor rest or demanding physical activity over long periods, while sleepiness fades after a short while.
In the case of fatigue, you may also experience symptoms like:
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Daytime drowsiness
- Slowed response time
- Irritability and mood changes
- Muscle aches and pains
The severity of your symptoms depends on the causes of your condition. You should seek immediate medical attention to avoid safety concerns like challenges in focusing when driving.
Causes of Fatigue
Your fatigue may result from physical and mental health conditions concerning lifestyle choices like physical activity and dietary choices. Most conditions result from:
- Too little or too much activity
- Being underweight or overweight
- Chronic pain like fibromyalgia
- Consuming caffeine or alcohol
- Sleep problems like jet lag or insomnia
- Nutritional issues like mineral and vitamin deficiencies
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress
- Medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Different types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Hormonal imbalances resulting from thyroid disorders and pregnancy
- Heart and lung conditions like coronary heart disease and asthma
- Medications like anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication
As a chronic condition, fatigue manifests as myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Fatigue
Performance Pain and Sports Medicine advocates for a fully personalized treatment targeting specific symptoms. Your doctor reviews your medical history, symptoms, performs conclusive exams, and runs diagnostic tests to find the best treatment approach.
Your doctor may use mental health questionnaires, blood and urine tests, and imaging tests (x-ray or ultrasound) to get accurate information on your general health.
After a conclusive diagnosis, your doctor drafts a fully personalized treatment plan focusing on specific needs. Your treatment may consist of:
- Hormone treatments
- Adjusting your sleeping habits
- Alternative therapies like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga
- Getting regular physical activity
- Changes to drinking and sleeping habits
For fatigue resulting from underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure and fibromyalgia, your treatment focuses on addressing its underlying causes.
In case of a sleep disorder, you are referred to a specialist for a sleep study.
Bottom Line
If you need expert care in treating fatigue, you should consider visiting the nearest fatigue specialist in your area. If you are around Texas and New Jersey, book an appointment at the most immediate Performance Pain and Sports Medicine office to book an appointment.