Pain and fatigue
Pain and fatigue are the prominent problems for those with a rheumatic disease, and are often underestimated by clinicians. Symptoms may fluctuate in quality and intensity over time and commonly will vary over the course of a day. For pain, clinical signs and symptoms will be dependent on the source of the pain and whether causative underlying pathology is identifiable or not. Fatigue may range from mild effects to total exhaustion and may include cognitive and emotional elements, with a complex, probably multicausal, pathway. Theoretical knowledge of potential mechanistic pathways for pain and fatigue should be used to inform assessment and treatment approaches. Best practice recommends a multidisciplinary and holistic treatment approach with the patient an active participant in the planning of their care, and self-management. Many patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions will not achieve a pain-free or fatigue-free status. Medication use must therefore balance potential benefit against short- and long-term side effects. Rheumatology centres should offer specific fatigue and pain self-management support as part of routine care. Emphasis should be given to facilitating self-management strategies for both pain and fatigue to help the patient optimize their quality of life over years or a lifetime of symptoms. Interventions should include behaviour change and cognitive restructuring of pain/fatigue beliefs, as well as access to relevant self-help groups and charitable organizations. Referral for specialist advice from regional or national clinics on pain relief and management should be considered if pain interferes significantly with function or quality of life despite local interventions.