Creatine monohydrate supplement eased woman’s hEDS fatigue
Supplement lessened patient's chronic pain as well, per case report
A creatine monohydrate supplement eased chronic pain and fatigue in a woman with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a case report said.
Creatine monohydrate has well-established benefits to muscle strength and overall athletic performance. Creatine — derived from three amino acids, the building blocks of proteins — is naturally present in red meat and seafood, but commercial supplements have a higher level of the compound.
“This case highlights the use of creatine monohydrate as an adjunct treatment in EDS patients suffering from symptoms of muscular weakness and fatigue,” the researchers wrote.
Their study, “Creatine Monohydrate as an Effective Supplement for Muscular Fatigue in an Ehlers-Danlos Patient,” was published in the journal Cureus.
“My previous treatments … offered little to no benefit to my quality of life,” the 39-year-old woman said. “Since creatine, my pain has been mildly reduced, and the most notable benefit has been an overall decrease in muscle fatigue. This has allowed me to begin treating my condition more effectively.”
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories to manage EDS
EDS is a group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissue, which provides structure to the body’s tissues and organs. The disease is caused by mutations commonly affecting the production and function of collagen, a main component of connective tissue, and is characterized by unusually mobile joints and stretchy, fragile skin.
The disease can also affect the bones, muscles, and heart, among other organs, and lead to chronic pain and fatigue. Treatment is based on supportive care, which may include physical therapy and exercises, although anti-inflammatory medications may be used to control pain.
The woman described in the case report had chronic pain and fatigue that significantly limited her physical abilities.
She had a history of hEDS, obesity, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (fast heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue when transitioning from lying down to standing). Before her hEDS diagnosis, she had chronic pain, and initially responded well to physical therapy and dry needling, a procedure in which a provider inserts thin needles in the affected muscles to reduce pain.
In 2019, she started having hip and shoulder pain. After diagnosis in 2020, she began physical therapy, home exercise programs, and medications to manage pain, which led to minimal improvements.
In 2023, the woman arrived at a new clinic for reevaluation and consideration of treatments. Initial osteopathic manipulation — a technique based on moving, stretching, and massaging muscles and joints — and acupuncture led to beneficial results, but her symptoms returned.
At that point, the patient mentioned a notable sensation of muscle fatigue, independent of pain, that limited her ability to engage in physical activity. It was recommended that she start supplementation with creatine monohydrate at a loading dose of 20 g daily for one week, followed by a maintenance dose of 3-5 g daily, to maintain muscle concentrations of creatine.
After one month, she reported significantly reduced muscle weakness and pain. While also on an anti-inflammatory medication, the woman was able to complete household tasks without excessive fatigue, and engaged in resistance training at a local gym without too much pain.
Her pain worsened again after discontinuation of anti-inflammatory therapy, although muscle fatigue eased. Other benefits were seen as well: She was able to walk for longer periods, and to wash and brush her hair in a single effort without relevant pain or fatigue.
The woman was restarted on the anti-inflammatory, which lessened her muscle fatigue, which she described as “walking thru water, like in a swimming pool.”
“There are multiple benefits to taking creatine as a supplement,” the researchers wrote. “Not only is it an antioxidant and helps lower inflammation in the human body, but also it improves post-exercise recovery. This helps explain why individuals may report lower levels of pain even after doing physical movements.”
The patient said the supplement worked better than any of her previously prescribed treatments. “Going forward, it is my sincere hope that others with EDS whose lives are heavily impacted, such as mine, can find relief and see a path to functional freedom,” she said. “For the first time in four years, I have begun to have hope for a healthy and active life.”
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