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Approximately five to seven percent people diagnosed with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. The association between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is unknown.
In almost 70% people with psoriatic arthritis, arthritis is preceded by psoriasis. Arthritis develops before psoriasis in about 15% patients. In about 15% people, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis develop simultaneously.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
Good management of psoriasis might help to prevent psoriatic arthritis and reduce the severity of the arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis treatment involves therapies for reducing joint inflammation, pain and stiffness and improving mobility of the affected joints.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Both over-the-counter and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could reduce the pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Common pain relief medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin are frequently included in psoriatic arthritis treatment.
For people who develop stomach problems by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a prolonged period, anti-inflammatory medications known as COX-2 inhibitors could alleviate inflammation by suppressing the activities of the inflammatory compounds in the joints.
Immunosuppressive Drugs
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. To protect the joint tissues from the scavenging activities of the immune cells, immunosuppressive drugs are included in psoriatic arthritis treatment. These medications help to prevent joint destruction.
In some people, oral retinoids could alleviate skin psoriasis and improve the condition of the joints affected by psoriatic arthritis. Anti-malarial drugs are effective in treating arthrtitis in some psoriatic arthritis patients.
Acute or severe psoriatic arthritis symptoms might be treated with corticosteroids. However, given the side effects of prolonged intake of these medications, they should be strictly taken under the supervision of the physician.
Dietary Supplements
Certain dietary supplements are effective in improving the functions of the affected joints. Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide that occurs naturally in the cartilage tissues in the joints. Supplements containing glucosamine helps to strengthen the joint tissues. By suppressing the activities of the pro-inflammatory proteins in the joints, it could reduce inflammation naturally.
Glucosamine supplements are consumed either alone or in combination with dietary supplements containing chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin could modify the activities of the inflammatory proteins and the immune cells. It also enhances the antioxidant status in the joints affected by psoriatic arthritis.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and dimethyl sulfoxide are two related dietary supplements suitable for improving the function of the painful joints. In some clinical trials, therapy with either MSM or DMSO caused significant reduction in joint pain and improved joint function in arthritis patients.
S-adenosylemethionine (SAM-e) is often used for improving the function of the joints and reducing joint pain. SAM-e is a molecule that occurs naturally in the human cell. It supports several chemical reactions. It is needed for maintaining the health of the body tissues and supporting nerve function. It helps to repair the damaged cartilage in the knees and supports regeneration of the cartilage tissues.
Ginger is recommended in Ayurveda for treating joint pain and inflammation. Gingerols and shogaols, active compounds present is ginger, possess anti-inflammatory properties. By inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and strengthening the antioxidant defense system, ginger might alleviate the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Exercise
To reduce joint stiffness, psoriatic arthritis patients should perform isometric resistance exercises daily. They help to strengthen the muscles that support the joints. Stretching and range-of-motion workouts help to improve the flexibility of the joints.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.