Best treatment options to get rid of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a special case of arthritis. The undesired condition affects people already suffering from a condition that causes red patches of skin with silvery scales above them, known as psoriasis. In most cases, patients develop psoriasis followed by the symptoms of arthritis. However, in some cases, joint issues might appear before the skin lesions.

Psoriatic arthritis can range from relatively mild to severe in terms of intensity. It can affect any part, ranging from the fingertips to the spine, of the human body. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure available for the condition but different types of psoriatic arthritis treatment do exist.

In psoriatic arthritis, the disease flares might alternate with periods of remission. In the absence of an apt psoriatic arthritis treatment, the condition might result in disabling the person suffering from it. Hence, the treatment of psoriatic arthritis is essential.

Best psoriatic arthritis treatment

For psoriatic arthritis treatment, various medications, as well as injections and surgical procedures, are used. Choosing a particular treatment for psoriatic arthritis depends on the severity of the condition.

Medication

Various types of drugs are used to treat different symptoms and conditions caused by psoriatic arthritis.

• Disease-Modifying AntiRheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – DMARDs slow down the expansion of psoriatic arthritis hence, saving joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Leflunomide (Arava), methotrexate (Trexall), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) are the most common forms of DMARDs used for treating psoriatic arthritis. Bone marrow suppression, liver damage, and severe lung infections are common side effects of DMARDs.
• Immunosuppressants – The immune system of the patient suffering from psoriatic arthritis, in a way, is out of control. To deal with this, immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine (Azasan and Imuran) and cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, and Sandimmune) are prescribed. The most important side effect of using immunosuppressant drugs is that they increase susceptibility to infection.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs are effective in reducing inflammation, as well as relieving pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are over-the-counter NSAIDs that are used for treating psoriatic arthritis. Stronger NSAIDs are only available on prescription. Use of NSAIDs needs to be kept in check, otherwise, it might yield side effects, ranging from heart problems and stomach irritation to kidney and liver damage.
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) Inhibitors – Interestingly, TNF-alpha is an inflammatory substance produced by the human body. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors assist in alleviating morning stiffness and ease tender or swollen joints, as well as reduce pain in patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), golimumab (Simponi), and infliximab (Remicade) are common forms of TNF-alpha inhibitors used in treating psoriatic arthritis. Diarrhea, hair loss, nausea, and increased risk of serious infections are some of the common side effects of TNF-alpha inhibitors.
• Newly Developed Medications for Plaque Psoriasis – A few of the newly developed medications for plaque psoriasis can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Apremilast (Otezla), secukinumab (Cosentyx), and ustekinumab (Stelara) are the most widely used options for psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Other Procedures

In addition to medication, surgery and steroid injections are also used for treating the symptoms and effects of psoriatic arthritis.

• Joint Replacement Surgery – Joint replacement surgery is recommended for replacing joints that have been severely damaged by psoriatic arthritis. Artificial prostheses made of plastic and metal are used to replace joints severely affected by psoriatic arthritis.
• Steroid Injections – Steroid injections are used for reducing inflammation immediately. These are sometimes injected into an affected joint.

Lifestyle changes to improve the effects of psoriatic arthritis treatment

In addition to following opportune medication for dealing with psoriatic arthritis, several lifestyle changes can elevate the efficiency of medication. Some of the most effective ways to improve the efficiency of the treatment of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Change the Way You Do Everyday Tasks – Avoid straining finger joints by using jar openers, for instance, to free lids from jars. Lift heavy pans and other hefty objects with both hands and not a single hand. Instead of your fingers, open doors with your body. By changing the way you do a number of daily tasks, the effects of psoriatic arthritis can be alleviated.
• Regular Exercise – Exercise helps in increasing mobility and making muscles flexible and strong. People suffering from psoriatic arthritis need to choose exercises that puts little to no strain on joints. Popular options are biking, swimming, and walking.
• Sustain a Healthy Weight – Being overweight can put unnecessary strain on joints, ultimately leading to increased pain. Hence, by maintaining a healthy weight, effects of psoriatic arthritis can be eased a bit. Eat more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables to keep your weight in check.