Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Everything You Need to Know

What is Psoriatic Arthritis & How is it Different from Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune diseases that cause joint inflammation and pain, but they have some key differences.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory Arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by scaly patches of skin. It typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50 and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body but is most common in the fingers, toes, and spine. In addition to joint pain, people with psoriatic arthritis may also experience fatigue, eye inflammation, and nail changes.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in a symmetrical pattern. Unlike psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis does not require a pre-existing skin condition to develop. Rheumatoid arthritis is also more likely to affect the hands and feet and can cause deformities and damage to the joints over time. In addition to joint pain, people with rheumatoid arthritis may experience fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

While the two conditions share some similarities, the underlying causes and mechanisms of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are different. In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, triggering inflammation and joint damage. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the joint capsule, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

Both psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. It is essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

What are the Common Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent joint damage. There are a variety of treatments available that can be used alone or in combination to help manage psoriatic arthritis.

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

One common treatment for psoriatic arthritis is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. NSAIDs can be effective for managing mild to moderate symptoms, but may not be sufficient for more severe cases.

2. Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs.

For more severe psoriatic arthritis, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be recommended. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and joint damage. Methotrexate is one example of a DMARD that is commonly used to treat psoriatic arthritis.

3. Biologic Drugs.

Biologic drugs are another type of medication that may be used to treat psoriatic arthritis. These drugs target specific components of the immune system that contribute to inflammation, helping to reduce symptoms and prevent joint damage. Biologics may be used alone or in combination with other treatments and can be effective for people who have not responded well to other medications.

4. Physiothérapie.

Physical therapy can also be helpful for managing psoriatic arthritis. A physical therapist can develop an exercise plan that is tailored to your specific needs and abilities, helping to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. They can also provide guidance on how to protect your joints during daily activities and how to use assistive devices to reduce stress on the joints.

5. Lifestyle changes.

In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and getting enough rest can also be helpful for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. It is essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

How Can You Prevent or Reduce the Severity of Psoriatic Arthritis?

While there is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms.

1. Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. This includes following a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting enough rest.
2. Healthy diet: A healthy diet for psoriatic arthritis patients should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can also be beneficial for reducing inflammation. On the other hand, it is best to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated and trans fats, as these can contribute to inflammation.
3. Managing stress: Stress can also exacerbate psoriatic arthritis symptoms, so it is important to find ways to manage stress. This can include practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, getting regular exercise, and making time for hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
4. Sleep: Getting enough rest is also important for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It is recommended to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

You can read the : 8 Foods To Avoid If You Suffer From Psoriatic Arthritis Pain Joint

In addition to these lifestyle changes, it is important to follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This may include taking medications, undergoing physical therapy, or receiving injections. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Overall, making these lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce the severity of psoriatic arthritis symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.

Conclusion.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that can be challenging to manage. However, there are several treatments and lifestyle changes that can help prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological drugs are some of the medications that can be used to treat psoriatic arthritis. Physical therapy can also be helpful for managing symptoms by improving joint flexibility and reducing pain.

In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting enough rest can also be beneficial for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. By making these lifestyle changes, individuals with psoriatic arthritis can improve their overall health and reduce the impact of the condition on their daily lives.

It is important for individuals with psoriatic arthritis to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and symptoms. By taking a proactive approach to managing psoriatic arthritis, individuals can lead full and active lives despite the challenges of this condition.