Psoriatic Arthritis

If you have psoriatic arthritis, some treatments can be helpful. While waiting for a proper diagnosis, you can control and monitor the symptoms. Your healthcare team will likely include a rheumatologist overseeing your care and providing the necessary medications and treatment. They may also include a specialist nurse to monitor your condition and a dermatologist for any skin conditions. A physiotherapist can also help you maintain your mobility.

Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a common disease that causes inflammation in the joints and skin. It is characterized by thick, scaly skin patches that are painful and uncomfortable. It also causes stiffness and pain in the joints, particularly the spine. In addition, it can lead to fatigue and low energy. Some patients also develop changes in their nails. For example, they may notice that their nails have small holes and ridges or change colour.

There are several types of psoriatic arthritis. Some are more severe than others. If left untreated, the disease can seriously damage joints. It is caused when the immune system attacks healthy tissue and cells. There is no known cure for this condition, but treatments are available to alleviate some symptoms.

Diagnosis

A blood test for psoriatic arthritis can help determine a person’s condition. This test can detect inflammatory changes in the joints and rule out other causes such as gout or other types of arthritis. In addition, a physical exam and medical history are essential in diagnosing psoriatic arthritis. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment are possible.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis varies, depending on the severity of symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve joint function and reduce pain. Treatment may involve different medications. A doctor may change a patient’s medication over time to control the disease and prevent systemic side effects. Early signs of the disease include joint pain, instability, or multiple joint involvements. Proper control of the skin is also essential for the proper management of psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment options for Psoriatic arthritis may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological agents. Biologic agents can reduce inflammation in the joints and slow disease progression. They can be used alone or with other treatments, such as NSAIDs and glucocorticoid injections. However, biologic agents can be expensive and typically reserved for people who have failed to respond to DMARDs or cannot tolerate high doses.

Early treatment of psoriatic arthritis is essential to prevent further damage from occurring. The exact treatment plan will depend on the type of disease and the damage the disease has done. Anti-inflammatory medications are typically the first step for people with mild to moderate disease. This type of treatment is safe but may be insufficient for more severe cases. Patients with severe arthritis may need more invasive procedures, such as surgery.

Common causes

Several ways to prevent psoriatic arthritis include eating a nutritious diet and exercising. These methods may also help reduce the strain on the joints. Being overweight places additional strain on the joints. Drinking at least two litres of water a day is also essential. Check out the NHS Eatwell Guide to get more tips. Finally, some people may find complementary therapies helpful for their psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis includes anti-inflammatory drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While these medicines relieve the pain and inflammation, they do not cure the disease. In addition, some people find that NSAIDs become less effective after a few weeks. If this occurs, try switching to a different NSAID. However, NSAIDs have side effects, so doctors typically prescribe them at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.