Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of 2 different diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by a patchy rash. The affected parts of the skin are usually inflamed and scaly. Arthritis is described as an inflammation of the joints and is also chronic.

Some people who have psoriasis may also develop arthritis and this disease is known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes are not known. A combination of immune and genetic factors is likely involved.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

The psoriatic arthritis may affect the feet, ankles, knees, hands, and the spine. Joints tend to swell and become stiff which causes pain.

The pain and stiffness is most often worse during the morning hours. In many cases tendons are also affected which makes it more difficult and painful to walk.

Psoriatic arthritis can also cause other health problems and the most common is lung inflammations.

If lung inflammation occurs it is very important to get proper medical care because it possibly can be fatal.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment includes various measures and medication which can ease the symptoms.

NSAIDs – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), tolmetin sodium (Tolectin), sulindac (Clinoril), and diclofenac (Voltaren). Their most frequent side effects include stomach bleeding and ulceration.
Exercise
Disease-modifying medications like methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Their most frequent side effects include bone-marrow suppression, liver damage, injury to the retina of the eye, stomach bleeding …
Corticosteroids that can be taken orally or injected directly into the joints. Their side effects include thinning of the skin, easy bruising, infections, diabetes, osteoporosis and bone necrosis.

Natural remedies for arthritis can also help with this disease. They are side effects free and decrease inflammation and ease pain and stiffness in psoriatic arthritis.