Psoriatic arthritis treatment

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What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease caused by the body attacking healthy tissue. The condition can affect many different parts of the body, including skin, nails, joints and entheses, which are places in the body where ligaments attach to bones. Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally. The condition can occur in children but typically manifests itself in patients over the age of 30.

The causes of psoriatic arthritis are unknown, although it tends to run in families, and it affects people of European descent more frequently than people of other backgrounds. It is sometimes described as feeling like having two separate conditions - psoriasis and arthritis.

Symptoms and causes

Psoriatic arthritis can result in itchy or painful rashes in various places on the body, including most commonly the scalp, knees and elbows. These rashes may be red and painful, or they may appear white due to an accumulation of dead skin. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause swollen fingers or toes and cracked nails.

Any joint in the body can be affected; the most commonly affected ones are fingers, wrists, ankles and knees. Many patients with psoriatic arthritis experience morning stiffness. The entheses in the body can also be affected and can become inflamed. Patients with psoriatic arthritis often have a low-grade fever and fatigue during a flare, a period that can last from days to months.

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Both over the counter and prescription drugs are used to treat psoriatic arthritis, and certain physical therapies and regular exercise can also help reduce symptoms. A combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids can be used; stronger drugs such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may also be prescribed.

These come in pill, injection and infusion form. Skin should be kept moisturized and soaking in bath salts or oatmeal may help relieve symptoms. Focusing on eating a healthy diet, high in anti-inflammatory foods and fresh fruits and vegetables, and reducing stress can also keep symptoms in check. Patients are encouraged to use fragrance-free laundry detergent and wear clothing made from natural fibers.

Treating psoriatic arthritis

FAQs about psoriatic arthritis

Is osteoarthritis a disability?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and painful condition that can be disabling as it affects the ability to perform daily tasks or work. The condition is classified as a disability when there’s anatomical deformity of joints, a failing range of motion, and increased pain that prevents doing basic tasks like walking. Being a type of arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the reduction of cartilage between the joints that causes friction between the bones that can result in the formation of bone spurs and cysts and usually affects the hands, hips, knees, feet, and compression of the spinal nerves or spinal cord.
Is osteoarthritis hereditary?

While Osteoarthritis cannot be directly linked to a specific cause, there are common factors that have been identified. It is possible that it’s genetic where multiple family members suffer from the condition. If your grandparents, parents, and siblings have Osteoarthritis, there is an increased risk of you getting it, particularly with genetic joint defects. If you do have symptoms of joint pain, it’s important to gather medical history from your family before seeing a doctor as diagnosis relies on this information together with a physical examination. Other causes are also likely such as years of sport that can affect joints.
Can I claim pip for osteoarthritis?

If you are medically diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and it’s affecting your ability to work and earn an income, you may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits. People aged 16 years and over may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a benefit to provide support in covering additional costs due to a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is paid when Osteoarthritis has a disabling effect on everyday life where load-bearing joints, like hands, feet, hips, knees, and spine are affected. It is a progressive joint disease that can worsen over time.
Can osteoarthritis spread?

The risk of developing Osteoarthritis increases with age. Many people over 60 years are likely to have some form of the condition with varying degrees of severity. It is an incurable, degenerative disease that progresses through four stages, which can take years or decades to spread. While the progression of Osteoarthritis cannot be stopped, early detection and therapy can slow the rate of degeneration. It usually starts in one large joint and typically spreads to other joints over time. One affected joint can alter movement and mobility, which in turn can affect the alignment of other joints predisposing them to Osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis slowly develop over time and initially start with pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Affected joints start hurting during or after movement and stiffness will be especially noticeable in the mornings or after a period of inactivity. Joints feel tender when any pressure is applied on or near the affected area. You may also start noticing a limited range of movement and loss of flexibility. Bone spurs, swelling and a grating sensation around the joints start occurring as the condition get worse. This is accompanied by popping or crackling sounds when moving the joints.