Living With Psoriatic Arthritis
August 25, 2009
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. It is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly and inflamed patches on the skin.
Psoriatic arthritis affects nearly 10 percent psoriasis patients. Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis usually occur simultaneously. In majority of cases, psoriasis first affects the skin followed by joint inflammation. In lesser number of cases, the arthritis precedes the skin condition.
In certain instances, psoriasis develops nearly 20 years after the patient had had psoriatic arthritis. If psoriatic arthritis precedes psoriasis, a diagnosis of the illness becomes difficult.
Psoriatic arthritis develops after 40. Both men and women are equally affected by this condition. Besides inflammation of the joints, psoriatic arthritis can also cause swelling of several body tissues such as skin, lungs, heart, kidney and the eyes.
Psoriatic arthritis causes
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It develops from the faulty response of the body’s immune system. Genetic and environmental factors might trigger this condition.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms
Like most other arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is also characterized by inflammation of the knee, ankle and feet joints. At a time, only a few joints become swollen. The joints become red, hot and painful. Prolonged inactivity makes the joints affected with psoriatic arthritis stiff.
Psoriatic arthritis also affects the spine, causing spondylitis. Sometimes psoriatic arthritis can rapidly damage the joints. This is a rare form of arthritis, which is known as mutilans. Psoriatic arthritis is sometimes responsible for inflammation of the tendons and cartilage.
Psoriatic arthritis home remedies
To reduce the pain and inflammation, anti-inflammation medicines are prescribed by doctors. Exercises and diet are nonetheless the best methods for reducing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. According to the condition of the inflammation, the psoriatic arthritis patient can apply heat or cold compress on the affected area.
Exercises that make your muscles stronger and improve joint mobility are recommended for psoriatic arthritis patients. Exercising with light weights at least twice every week is beneficial for psoriatic arthritis. Isotonic and isometric exercises involving moving joints or keeping them stationary while holding weights are also helpful. Motion exercises help to keep your joints mobile.
Foods that tend to worsen your pain should be avoided. Usually saturated fats, cholesterol, gluten, red meat, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and even potato can worsen the psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
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