Effective Strategies for Managing Psoriatic Arthritis
Discover practical methods for managing psoriatic arthritis through effective treatments, dietary tips, and gentle exercise routines. Learn how lifestyle changes and therapies can improve joint health and reduce inflammation, enhancing quality of life for patients. Always seek professional medical advice before making significant health decisions.
Effective Strategies for Managing Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) impacts around one million individuals nationwide. This condition is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, often developing years after skin symptoms appear. Fortunately, there are various ways to control symptoms like joint stiffness, swelling, and pain. These include specific treatments, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and supportive therapies that help improve quality of life for patients.
Treatment Approaches
RINVOQ is an oral medication prescribed for adults with active psoriatic arthritis, especially when other treatments fail. It’s not recommended for children under 12. Side effects may include allergic reactions and immune system issues.
Another option is Otezla, which reduces inflammation by targeting a specific enzyme. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and respiratory infections.
Diet plays a vital role; patients should limit intake of red meats, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, and nightshade vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, as these can trigger inflammation. Incorporating fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna can be beneficial due to their omega-3 content. Blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, and spinach are also supportive nutritional choices.
Adjusting Lifestyle
Engaging in gentle, low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking can help maintain joint flexibility without strain. Strengthening muscles around the joints is essential for reducing pressure and preventing further joint damage.
Therapeutic Remedies
Hydrotherapy involves soaking in warm water, which alleviates joint stiffness and enhances muscle strength. Post-treatment skin care is necessary to avoid psoriasis flare-ups. Additional techniques such as heat packs and cold compresses can temporarily ease pain, swelling, and soreness—heat helps relax muscles, while cold reduces inflammation and numbness.
