Exploring Ways to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis with Care
Managing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be a delicate balance since it impacts both your skin and joints. Tailored to your specific needs and disease severity, treatment encompasses a blend of medications and holistic therapies like exercise, massage, and temperature treatments.
Treatment aims to:
Keep the disease in check and possibly achieve remission
Alleviate pain and associated symptoms
Safeguard your skin and joints
Collaborating with specialists, such as a rheumatologist for joint concerns and a dermatologist for skin-related issues, is often essential. Engage with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment strategy for you
Medications
Medications play a pivotal role in managing PsA and its flare-ups. Here's a breakdown of the potential treatments:
NSAIDs: These anti-inflammatory drugs might be all you need for milder PsA cases. You can find some, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, over the counter, or get stronger versions via prescription.
Biologics: Suited for those with a more pronounced form of PsA, TNF inhibitors like Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, Simponi, and Cimzia are typically the first line of treatment. If those don't quite hit the mark, doctors might turn to biologics targeting IL-17 or IL 12/23, such as Cosentyx, Tremfya, Skyrizi, Stelara, or Taltz. Orencia is another option with a distinct approach. Each biologic caters to specific needs, focusing either on skin or joint concerns, and they're not used in combinations.
DMARDs: These include traditional options like methotrexate, which work against inflammation harming joints and skin. Some biologics can complement these DMARDs. There are also targeted DMARDs, zooming in on specific immune system areas, like Otezla or JAK inhibitors Rinvoq and Xeljanz.
Corticosteroids: For rapid relief from inflammation and pain, doctors might suggest injecting steroids into the affected joints. This is a temporary solution, especially beneficial during flare-ups.
Topical Solutions: For skin and nail symptoms, biologics and DMARDs come into play. But you can also explore a range of creams and ointments, both prescription and over-the-counter, which contain elements like steroids, anthralin, vitamin A, salicylic acid, or coal tar to help soothe skin-related psoriasis issues.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Staying active is a key component in managing PsA. Engaging in regular exercise can ease pain, increase energy, uplift your mood, and boost overall wellness. For the best results, it's good to have a blend of cardio, strength-building, and stretching in your routine.
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and biking are wonderful as they're gentle on the joints. If you're considering a swim, just remember to skip it during flare-ups since chlorine might not be skin-friendly. Yoga and tai chi are also great options that balance relaxation with physical activity. Before diving into a new exercise regime, it's always a good idea to chat with your doctor. If you're unsure about where to start or want to optimize your routine, a physical therapist can guide you on exercises that enhance your strength and flexibility. And for those day-to-day tasks, an occupational therapist can offer strategies to make them smoother and more comfortable for you
Living With PsA
Incorporating medication, exercise, and physical therapy are pivotal, but there are some personal habits you can embrace to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of your life with PsA.
Kick the Smoking Habit: Quitting not only boosts your overall well-being and safeguards your lungs and heart but can also benefit your joint and skin conditions. Remember, smoking can amplify PsA symptoms and diminish treatment effectiveness. It's challenging, but with support like nicotine therapies and counseling, and a chat with your doctor, you can achieve it.
Embrace Relaxation: Stress can intensify PsA flare-ups and pain. Activities like exercise, deep breathing, meditation, or even a soothing massage can be valuable stress-busters. If managing stress becomes too daunting, seeking help from a therapist can be a helpful step.
Nourish Your Body: While no specific diet addresses psoriatic arthritis, certain foods can help combat inflammation. Foods prevalent in the Mediterranean diet, such as fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil, not only nourish the joints but also benefit the heart. Opt for a balanced intake of lean proteins, vibrant fruits, whole grains, and veggies. It's wise to limit inflammation-triggering foods rich in trans fats, sugars, and processed ingredients.
Explore Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese technique, which involves ultra-thin needles on specific body points, might be a supportive method to manage chronic pain alongside other treatments.
Benefit from Temperature Therapies: Enjoy the comforting warmth of a bath or a paraffin soak for hands and feet to ease joint discomfort. Alternatively, a cold pack can mitigate swelling. Feel free to alternate between the two or go with what feels best.
Listen to Your Body: Exercise is valuable, but it's crucial to recognize when to pause. If you experience pain, give your joints a rest and resume your regular activities when you're feeling better.
Achieve a Healthy Weight: Extra weight can intensify inflammation and put additional strain on your joints. Adopting a balanced diet and exercise routine can assist in weight management. Even shedding just 10% of your weight, especially if you're dealing with obesity, can substantially enhance treatment responsiveness.
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