Fatigue and joint pain are hallmark symptoms of several autoimmune diseases, most commonly Lupus, which causes widespread inflammation, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), attacking joint linings; other culprits include Sjogren's Syndrome, Dermatomyositis, and Polymyalgia Rheumatica, highlighting that these symptoms often point to a condition where the immune system attacks the body.
Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
You know you might have an autoimmune disease by noticing persistent, unexplained symptoms like extreme fatigue, joint pain/swelling, skin rashes, digestive issues, recurring fevers, or numbness/tingling, but a doctor uses a combination of your medical history, physical exam, and blood tests (checking for inflammation and autoantibodies), sometimes followed by imaging or a biopsy, for an official diagnosis.
Tylenol can be used for additional relief, although this medication is better suited for treating pain rather than inflammation. Autoimmune diseases are often chronic conditions that can evolve, so minimizing damage and progression is typically the mainstay of treatment.
With some autoimmune conditions, you may need to follow certain dietary restrictions or special diets. Get regular exercise. Physical activity can keep your body in good condition, which will help boost energy. Try to keep a regular schedule of exercise that you can tolerate.
Most of my patients with autoimmune disease will describe fatigue as a persistent, overwhelming, and uncontrollable state of tiredness that interferes with their daily activities. Fatigue is that feeling of being constantly won out and drained of energy.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis may include:
Over-the-counter therapies
OTC medicines, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and Napoxen, are likely the first line of treatment your doctor will recommend. They can help relieve mild symptoms, such as reducing pain, inflammation, stiffness and fever. The right OTC therapy will depend on your autoimmune disease.
However, widely used herbs — including spirulina, elderberry, ashwagandha, chlorella, echinacea, and alfalfa — possess immunostimulatory properties that can worsen autoimmune symptoms, posing risks to patients with conditions like DM and CLE.
5 things that can weaken your immune system
The Autoimmune Disorder Panel is a combination of 8 health tests that measure and evaluate the body. Our Autoimmune Disorder Panel includes the following tests: Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Causes of sudden onset joint pain and fatigue
Here are some specialists who treat autoimmune diseases:
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
This kind of fatigue makes you feel that you are climbing a steep hill when you are really walking on level ground. It may resolve once the underlying organic condition is diagnosed and treated. Thyroid problems and anemia are both common among Sjögren's patients, but many other kinds of fatigue may be superimposed.
Causes of tiredness and fatigue
an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby. hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause)
Vitamin D is one of the key nutrients that keeps your immune system functioning. Vitamin D binds to immune cells, strengthening and supporting their function, explains Daniel Arkfeld, MD, a rheumatologist with Keck Medicine of USC. “The immune system needs vitamin D to function at its best,” he says.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.
Types of treatments include: Supplements to replace a substance that the body lacks, such as thyroid hormone, vitamin B12, or insulin, due to the autoimmune disease.
Treatment for autoimmune disorders
The American College of Rheumatology recommends methotrexate over a biologic as the first choice for most people with inflammatory autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are your first-line defense when looking for prednisone alternatives. These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Great for general inflammation and pain.
Three key warning signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often involve vision problems (like blurred vision or pain with eye movement), numbness or tingling sensations, and fatigue, along with balance issues, weakness, and coordination difficulties, though symptoms vary widely and can include cognitive or bladder problems too.
Myasthenia gravis affects both men and women and occurs across all racial and ethnic groups. It most commonly impacts young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), but it can occur at any age, including childhood. Myasthenia gravis is not inherited or contagious.
The only discernible differences are typical clinical hallmarks of the disease: ptosis and generalized facial weakness around the eyes and mouth resulting in less vivid facial expression (figure).