Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joints, changes to your nails (pitting), fatigue, and eye inflammation. The most common areas affected are the feet, hands and wrists. In some people, the condition can affect the spine as well.
Joints may become swollen and warm to the touch because of the inflammation that occurs in the joint. This swelling can cause the joints to lose their normal alignment and shape. This can make them crooked, loose or even turn inward or outward, leading to instability. In addition, the smooth ends of your bones can wear down and change in size.
Nails can also change in color, and the nail beds can separate from the nails. These changes may be an early sign of PsA.
You may also develop itchy, scaly patches or buildup of dead skin cells on the body. These patches may be red, itchy and swollen. They may appear on your elbows, knees or scalp.
Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are tenderness in the joints where tendons or ligaments attach to bones and difficulty moving. Back pain and pain in the neck, hips and buttocks may also occur.
Inflammation of the eyes is another symptom that may indicate psoriatic arthritis, especially in the middle layer of the eye (uveitis). This inflammation can cause eye pain and redness, and vision loss can occur if not treated.
It’s important to get treatment for psoriatic arthritis as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent joint involvement and damage, as well as improve your quality of life.
The best way to treat psoriatic arthritis is with an effective medication regimen that will relieve pain and inflammation and keep it under control. Talk to your GP, rheumatologist or other health care provider about the right treatment for you.
Medications for psoriatic arthritis can range from topical creams to injections to prescription drugs. They all have different benefits and risks, so it’s important to choose the best one for you.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs can reduce the swelling and pain of psoriatic arthritis. Popular over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and aspirin. These anti-inflammatory drugs are safe and effective when taken regularly. They also help to prevent relapses.
Your rheumatologist will work with you to find a medication that works best for your psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Some of these are called DMARDs, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for both diseases. Others are more specific and will only target psoriatic arthritis.
If your psoriatic arthritis is controlled and managed, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of medication you need to take. Other ways to treat psoriatic arthritis are physical therapy, exercise and stress management.
You should also eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to help reduce inflammation and pain in your joints. Try to avoid processed and refined foods, as these can irritate your joints more.
Eating the right kind of foods will also keep your weight in check, which can also help to manage your psoriatic arthritis. A balanced diet will include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. You should also cut down on the amount of salt, sugar and saturated fats in your diet.
