Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating health condition that affects some people who have psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is classified as a type of inflammatory arthritis. Psoriasis on the other hand, is a chronic skin disease, characterized by the development of dry, red skin patches and scales. Like arthritis, psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and inflammation, and stiff joints. The condition can affect any part of the body, and it usually develops between the age of 30 to 50 years. However, it can affect individuals of all age group. On an average, psoriatic arthritis can take about 10 years to develop from the time of observing the signs of psoriasis for the first time. As far as the psoriatic arthritis is concerned, proper treatment can help to manage the symptoms of this condition and prevent joint damage, but cannot cure it.

Psoriatic Arthritis Causes and Symptoms

Both psoriasis and arthritis are the conditions associated with abnormal immune response, which can cause joint inflammation, as well as excessive production of skin cells. The reason behind such abnormal immune response is not known with certainty. However, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role in the development of psoriatic arthritis. Having psoriasis, a family history of psoriatic arthritis and presence of a high level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are considered as some of the risk factors for psoriatic arthritis.

Swollen and painful joints, morning stiffness and joints that are tender and warm to touch are the usual symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. The condition often affects the fingers and the toes, and causes swelling of the digits. The swollen fingers and toes can look like sausages. Other symptoms related to the fingers and toes are development of lesions, pitting of the nails and thickening and discoloration of the nails. Psoriatic arthritis can affect the joints of one or both sides of the body. It can also cause tendinitis and affect the spine to cause spondylitis. At times, psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs and aorta as well.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Guidelines

Psoriatic arthritis is usually detected by evaluating the symptoms, with the help of diagnostic procedures like, X-ray, joint fluid test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and test to detect rheumatoid factor (RF). Treatment for psoriatic arthritis is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and preventing further damage to the joints. For this purpose, physicians can employ both medications and physical therapy or exercise. The medications that are usually used for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis are, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as, aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen.

Corticosteroids are also used for treating this type of arthritis, basically to control joint pain. Another class of drugs used for treating this inflammatory condition is 'disease modifying antirheumatic drugs'. These drugs help to limit the damage to the joints. Immunosuppressant medications on the other hand, are used to suppress the immune system to control or manage psoriatic arthritis. Apart from these, 'tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors' are the class of medications that are employed for the treatment of severe psoriatic arthritis treatment. The side effects associated with some of these medications can be quite serious. If all these treatment options fail to provide relief, then physicians can recommend joint operation as well.

Along with medications, a number of supplements are used for the effective management of psoriatic arthritis. In this regard, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplements, fish oil supplements and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are worth mentioning. Psoriatic arthritis natural treatment can include, exercises, physical therapy, dietary changes, use of ice and hot packs and herbs. Exercises are extremely important for strengthening the muscles around the joints, which can help in controlling the symptoms of arthritic conditions. To relieve the pain of the joints and the muscles, you can also use ice and hot packs.

Similarly, changes in the diet such as, inclusion of more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are rich in zinc, omega-3 essential fatty acids and carotenoids in the psoriatic arthritis diet can prove quite beneficial. At the same time, it is important to identify the foods that can trigger inflammatory reactions in some patients. Elimination of such foods too can help to manage the symptoms of this inflammatory condition. Herbs that are believed to be helpful in psoriatic arthritis are, celery seeds, black cohosh, nettles, saffron, feverfew, bogbean, evening primrose and turmeric. However, before using herbal treatment for psoriatic arthritis, it is advisable to talk to your physician or health care provider.

For a proper treatment plan for this condition, you can talk to your physician. This would also help to find out the severity of the condition, and the measures that can be taken to slow down its progression.