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Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis

Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis in Encinitas Area

When most people hear the term psoriasis, they think about the skin disease that causes itchy, scaly patches. You may not know that about a third of patients with psoriasis will also develop an inflammatory joint condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, severely inhibiting daily activities. Fortunately, the team at Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center in Encinitas, California, has years of experience helping relieve psoriatic arthritis pain with several different treatment options.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis. Most individuals with the condition will have experienced years of skin flare-ups before symptoms start appearing in the joints.

Psoriatic arthritis can affect nearly any part of the body and can vary in severity for each individual. While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are treatment options that can control symptoms.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Individuals with psoriatic arthritis may go for long periods when symptoms improve or temporarily disappear. However, the condition generally worsens over time. The most prominent symptoms are painful, swollen joints that can be warm to the touch. Other symptoms include:

  • Swelling of the fingers and toes
  • Foot pain
  • Nail changes
  • Eye inflammation
  • Lower back pain

Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis

The focus of treatment for psoriatic arthritis is to reduce inflammation and joint pain. Some patients may need to try several forms of therapy before finding something that works for them. The following options may be recommended:

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs – Known as DMARDs, these drugs help prevent permanent joint and tissue damage by slowing the progression of psoriatic arthritis. Some examples are methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Known as NSAIDs, these drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can alleviate pain and inflammation for individuals with more mild forms of psoriatic arthritis. They can be obtained over the counter or in stronger doses via prescription.
  • Biologic agents – A class of DMARDs that targets different parts of the immune system. Common examples are Humira and Enbrel.
  • Other oral medications – Certain medications such as Otezla can reduce enzyme activity to lower inflammation activity within cells.
  • Steroid Injections – Injections of corticosteroids can provide relief from joint inflammation.
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Other Treatment Options

In addition to medications and other therapies, there are some steps patients can take at home to reduce the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. They include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight – Losing weight can help reduce the strain on your joints, leading to less pain and increased mobility.
  • Routine exercise – Low-impact exercise is a great way to keep your muscles strong and increase joint flexibility. Some examples are swimming, walking, and yoga.
  • Quit smoking – Smoking can increase the severity of psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
  • Reduce your alcohol intake – Alcohol can reduce the efficacy of your medications and may even worsen the side effects of certain drugs.
  • Allow yourself to rest – While activity and movement are vital, listening to your body and finding time to rest are also essential.
  • Take care of your mental health – Battling chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health. Talk to your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from anxiety or depression related to your arthritis.

At Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center, we understand that dealing with psoriatic arthritis is a lifetime battle, and we’re here to help improve your quality of life. If you are in the Encinitas, California, area and would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at 760-509-2429.

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Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd

Dr. Peter Lloyd is a board-certified rheumatologist with exceptional expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other rheumatologic diseases. He earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago. He completed his rheumatology fellowship training at the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. At his facility Seaside Rheumatology, he treats his patients using the latest technology and medical developments. Due to his impeccable academic records, modern approach to treatments and compassionate patient care, he is valued as one of the best rheumatologists in the Rheumatology field.

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