Ways to relieve Psoriatic Arthritis pain are within reach at Encinitas, CA specialist’s office
Rheumatological diseases often have similar or overlapping symptoms. So, it is important to select a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions affecting the muscles, joints, tendons, and bones. Many types of arthritis and systemic autoimmune diseases cause pain. But a Board-certified rheumatologist such as Dr. Peter Lloyd can accurately pinpoint the source of your symptoms, to treat psoriatic arthritis pain in Encinitas, CA at the office of Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) pain is characterized by:
- Persistent, flu-like body aches
- Nerve pain around the spine that radiates to the toes and skull
- Tenderness in the foot where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bones, especially at the back of the heels and soles of the feet
- Low-back pain (spondylitis), due to the inflammation of joints between the vertebrae of the spine, and between the spine and pelvis
Additional symptoms may include:
- Skin rashes – After all, it is estimated up to 30 percent of patients with the skin condition, psoriasis, will develop PsA and, sometimes, the arthritis symptoms precede the skin problems.
- Swelling — Parts of the fingers and toes may appear sausage-like.
- Fatigue – Some days, the exhaustion is worse than the pain.
- Nail changes, such as pitting
And, while these types of pain and other symptoms can often accompany PsA, they can present with other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and gout. Dr. Lloyd uses his specialized expertise and onsite technologies to better understand the cause of your symptoms.
Traditional therapies have generally been characterized as providing symptom-relief (such as NSAIDS) or halting the progression of the disease over time (such as DMARDs, biologics), Dr. Lloyd’s patients have also benefited from an integrative approach. So, some of the ways they have experienced relief from PsA pain include:
- Exercise loosens joints and tendons, keeping them limber and reducing inflammation. Muscle-building activities help to ease the stress on joints. Walking in 10-minute intervals, or low-impact cycling, yoga, and aquatic exercise relax sore muscles and improve range of motion.
- Protect joints by completing activities of daily living and work tasks ergonomically; avoid strain by adjusting how containers and doors are opened, or heavy objects are moved.
- Maintaining a healthy weight with appropriate physical activities (and with healthy nutrition) also helps to lift the pressure placed on joints and heightens mobility. Some medications tend to work more effectively among patients whose weight falls within a healthy range. Additionally, Dr. Lloyd can advise on whole foods, vitamins and minerals, and herbal supplements that help to improve the pain of PsA and accompanying inflammation.
The sooner Dr. Lloyd gets your PsA under control, the greater the odds that the disease will not progress and cause additional damage to joints or cause other complications. PsA patients are at greater risk of developing comorbidities, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease. Call 760-509-2429 to schedule your appointment at Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center in Encinitas, CA.
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