Psoriasis is a condition in which the cells on the skin grow too quickly. This leads to red blotches that become, itchy, red, scaly and irritated. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that affects the skin and joints. They become stiff, swollen and painful to the touch, just like regular arthritis. Either the skin symptoms or the joint symptoms can start first, and there is no actual cure. But there are ways to treat the symptoms and prevent the disease from disabling the body.
Steroids
Corticosteroids are a treatment option that can be used for skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These drugs are either injected right into the joint or can be taken orally. They generally give fast relief to mild cases and act to improve joint range of motion. A caution about corticosteroids: They are used sparingly, due to the fact that they can have adverse side effects to the body when injected.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a prescription medication that can be taken to help reduce the amount of damage joints receive. In addition, they reduce pain and inflammation. However, these drugs may take several weeks or even months before they show any effect. For that reason, they are often taken in conjunction with a pain reliever. Some examples of DMARDs are methotrexate and sulfasalazine. Methotrexate can also cause problems with the liver and lungs. It is recommended to take folic acid with it to reduce these side effects.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first line of defense when it comes to treating psoriatic arthritis. They come in the form of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. Some examples are Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Clinoril, Relafen and Voltaren. These drugs can cause an upset stomach, and long-term use can cause ulcers and possible kidney problems.
Operation
In the event you've tried a lot of treatments and they don't work, you can get surgery. This is done to restore mobility and ease your pain. These operations come with some risks, so make sure to talk to your physician thoroughly before going through with it.
Dietary Adjustments
Eating foods that are high in calories and fat can lead to weight gain. This spells bad news for joints that are plagued with psoriatic arthritis. The excess weight can cause more strain on them, exacerbating the symptoms. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to get the right nutrients without having too many calories.
Home Remedy
A homemade treatment can be done with the use of a bag of frozen vegetables and some mineral oil. The oil is applied to the area of joint pain, a towel is placed across it, then the frozen veggies are applied for 20- to 30-minute intervals several times during the day. If muscles are sore around the joints, a heating pad can be used on a low setting.
Movement
The more you sit around, the more stiff your joints will be. Performing daily exercise can help improve mobility and increase range of motion. It doesn't have to be high-intensity exercise; it just has to be something that involves movement of the affected areas. Pay attention to how your body feels and if it's too much, ease back. Non-impact exercises include walking, elliptical training, swimming and rowing.
