Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis ( PsA ) is a form of inflammatory arthritis . It affects about 1million Americans .
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a red , scaly rash , most often on your elbows , knees , ankles , feet , and hands .
Being an autoimmune condition Psoriatic Arthritis manifests in the body’s immune system by attacking healthy tissue by mistake .
Psoriatic arthritis usually affects your skin and your joints , which can become swollen , stiff , and painful . Over time , if treatment is not sought in time , the inflammation can damage joints and tissues .
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include
+ Stiffness and tiredness in the morning
+ Swollen fingers and toes
+ Scaly skin , especially on your knees , elbows , and scalp
+ Swelling and pain around tendons
+ Foot pain
+ Eye redness and pain
+ Lower back pain
+ Less motion range
+ Nail changes
Psoriatic arthritis shares some symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis . But RA usually affects joints on both sides of your body .
Like other types of arthritis , psoriatic arthritis can be more or less severe . PsA may be ..oligoarticular is a milder type affecting four or fewer joints .
Polyarticular is a more severe type that affects four or more joints .
Doctors are still unable to pinpoint the cause of psoriatic arthritis, but some of these factors move the needle :
An infection that sets off your immune system could be to blame . Psoriasis can be stoked by strep throat .
About 30 per cent of people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis . It affects men and women equally .
Age . Although it affects people between 30 and 50 , you can get PsA at any age .
Family history plays a key role with people prone to joint disease .
Imaging tests and MRIs are done . Blood tests to look out for inflammation . Also fluid tests from your joints or tiny samples of skin .
Psoriatic arthritis treatment
Medical treatments for psoriatic arthritis include :
Surgery can be considered as a last measure for severely damaged joints and replaced with new ones .
Steroids should be prescribed by doctors only when you really need them but cautiously because it usually has side effects if used for a long time .
Enzyme inhibitors block certain enzymes that slow other reactions leading to inflammation .
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and DMARDS for stopping pain .
Biologics block a protein that causes inflammation .
Low – impact exercises like swimming or walking for some 20 or so minutes is encouraged .
Keeping a healthy weight , avoiding smoking , cutting on alcohol , embracing acupuncture or massage therapy can provide relief .
Psoriatic arthritis complications come in many forms including fatigue , depression and anxiety , fibromyalgia , and gout .
Stress , infection , extra weight , or even skin injuries like scrapes and sunburns trigger PsA .
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis . But with timely treatment it can go into remission . Get in touch with your rheumatologist in case of an inflammation for a tailored and flexible treatment plan .
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