Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment programs are tailored to the
individual’s symptoms, in order to manage them most effectively. Because the course
of the disease can be very different from patient to patient, factors such as remissions
and exacerbations of symptoms are also important to take into consideration. Every patient
is different, and our treatment program will be tailored to your own particular needs.
Basic treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis
Treatment plans include reducing inflammation in the joints, reducing pain, and
preventing further damage. Psoriatic arthritis is actually treated in much the same way
that the conditions of psoriasis and arthritis are treated individually. The skin is
treated with topical and oral medications, including antibiotics. One aim in patients with
psoriasis is the prevention of secondary infections as a result of the skin irritation.
Mild forms of the accompanying arthritis are treated like other forms of arthritis,
using aspirin, anti-arthritis drugs and other medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, or NSAIDs, are used to control the pain and swelling of the arthritis. Your doctor
may inject steroids directly into affected joints instead of prescribing medications for
you to take at home. In patients for whom this is not therapeutic, other drugs may be
prescribed. These include methotrexate as well as an antimalarial drug known as
hydroxychloroquine. Unfortunately some drugs used to treat one set of symptoms,
particularly those that are classified as antimalarials, can trigger an exacerbation, or
worsening, in another set, so it is especially important that you talk to your doctor
about any side effects you have from the drugs. It is also important to understand that
there doesn’t seem to be any link between the location of skin symptoms and the
location of joint symptoms. You may have scaly patches on one part of your body, and joint
pain and swelling in an entirely different part. It is not known what the link is between
these two conditions.
Therapies as a Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
There are also some therapeutic treatments that can ease some pain and swelling in your
joints, such as heat, cold, or soaking in warm water. It is important to get sufficient
rest. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise program tailored to your condition, to
improve your general health as well as your joint health.
More agressive treatments Psoriatic Arthritis
Other more aggressive treatments include corticosteroid injections into the joints or
injections of gold salts for patients with more destructive joint damage. In the case of
very severe joint damage, surgery may be necessary, but it is not common. One of the
concerns the surgeon has is the worry of infection of the joint by going through skin
lesions overlying the affected joint.
Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist for specialized treatment for your
condition. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatic diseases, or diseases
of the joints. While psoriatic arthritis is not entirely rheumatic in nature, a
rheumatologist may nevertheless be very helpful in prescribing the best course of
treatment for patients.
Your doctor may also refer you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases
of the skin, for treatment of your psoriasis.
Alternative treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis
Food allergies/intolerances are believed to play a role in most autoimmune disorders,
including psoriatic arthritis. Identification and elimination of food allergens from the
diet can be helpful. Constitutional homeopathy can work deeply and effectively with this
condition, if the proper prescription is given. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and
western herbal medicine can all be useful in managing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Nutritional supplements can contribute added support to the healing process. Alternative
treatments recommended for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis may also be helpful in
treating psoriatic arthritis. |
