Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a progressive inflammatory disease that can develop in people with psoriasis. Lifestyle changes can help control PsA symptoms and provide some relief.
PsA causes pain, stiffness, and swelling around the joints. It affects about 30% of people who have psoriasis.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, it affects men and women equally and usually develops after the age of 30. The foundation also indicates that it is more common in white people.
In addition to medications, a doctor may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms of the condition.
In this article, we look at lifestyle changes that can relieve some of the symptoms of PsA. We also look at how PsA progresses and possible treatment options.
For many people with PsA, psoriasis develops first, and joint pain begins within 10 years. People can have PsA without psoriasis, although this is rare.
Researchers cannot identify which people will develop PsA. However, some risk factors for PsA include:
Having a family history of PsA Having psoriasis Being overweight or obese Smoking Being between the ages of 30 and 50 Having exposure to infections such as strep infections and HIV Experiencing physical trauma
People with psoriasis may experience warning signs of PsA, such as:
back pain at the sacroiliac joint, where the spine connects to the pelvischanges in fingernails or toenailsinflammation of the eyesfatigueredness and swelling of the jointsmorning joint pain that improves with activityreduced range of motionsausage-like swelling an entire finger or scalp piepsoriasis skin rash tendon or ligament pain in the Achilles tendon, bottom of the foot, or elbow
Doctors recommend treating PsA using a combination of strategies. There is no cure for PsA, so treatment focuses on:
relieve symptoms help maintain quality of life treat skin symptoms keep joints mobile
Drug treatment may include over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments, including:
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) corticosteroids disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Each person with PsA will experience it differently, and doctors will prescribe treatment specific to the person’s symptoms and overall health.
A doctor may also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to relieve PsA symptoms, including:
exercise regularlymake dietary changesminimize stresslimit alcohol consumptionquit smoking
There are more details about these diet and lifestyle changes below.
Joints contain a particular type of fluid that protects them, known as synovial fluid. Exercise increases the circulation of synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints, allowing them to move relative to each other smoothly.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people exercise at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate pace. This includes people with PsA.
Physical activity such as walking, swimming, and bicycling has low impact on the joints and can relieve stiffness. Exercise develops the muscles that surround the joints, helping to support them.
Eating right can play an important role in maintaining your overall health. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory effects and protect against problems that can accompany PsA, including cardiovascular disease.
Excess body fat contributes to inflammation, so eating right and reducing your risk of obesity are important in controlling PsA flares.
Foods that can reduce inflammation and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease include:
fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines nuts such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds olive oil lean protein such as skinless chicken and pork cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts
Stress can contribute to increased activity of PsA flares. Stress is a natural signal for the body to jump into overdrive, promoting its inflammatory response. This inflammatory response can lead to joint swelling and pain.
Chronic stress can lead to a cycle of mental anguish and physical pain. Some strategies that can help manage stress include:
talk to a therapisttalk to a friendfollow a doctor’s advice for arthritis reliefexercise relaxation techniques
PsA can cause fatigue, so rest is essential to allow the body to heal. When joints are sore, a person should rest them.
Treatment of fatigue involves a combination of factors, including:
exercise diet physical or occupational therapy other therapies
To sleep better, a person should consider incorporating the following habits into their sleep hygiene:
Go to bed and get up at regular times. Make sure the room is dark, relaxing and at a comfortable temperature. Remove all electronic devices such as televisions, computers, and cell phones from the room. Avoid copious meals, caffeine and alcohol. before going to bed. Get plenty of exercise during the day.
PsA medications can increase the risk of liver damage, so people should not mix them with alcohol.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) notes the following effects in men who drink more than two alcoholic drinks and women who drink more than one alcoholic drink a day: Medications may for psoriasis may not work as well or stop working, and there may be fewer remissions
By limiting alcohol consumption, treatment is more effective, there are more remissions, and there is a lower risk of liver damage from medications.
The AADA also recommends quitting smoking to:
reduce the chances of developing liver, heart, blood vessel, and gum disease decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease reduce psoriasis flare-ups increase remissions
Other diseases are more likely to coexist with PsA. Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent, although inflammatory bowel disease and eye conditions can also develop.
Managing related conditions will help control general stress and reduce inflammatory responses.
Some people experiencing their first PsA flare may develop skin or nail symptoms before they notice joint pain or stiffness. Others may not have any skin-related symptoms.
People with PsA should contact a doctor when flare-ups occur, new symptoms develop, or medications no longer work effectively.
Lifestyle changes and alterations can help control symptoms and significantly impact the effectiveness of PsA treatment.
Combined with pharmaceutical treatments and physical, occupational, or alternative therapies, lifestyle changes can go a long way toward improving well-being and reducing the severity of flare-ups.
PsA is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop with psoriasis. It affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and redness, and can severely limit mobility.
Treatment may include over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs. However, lifestyle changes, such as alterations in diet, exercise, rest, and stress management, can also have a positive impact on PsA.
Making lifestyle changes can significantly affect the frequency and severity of PsA flare-ups.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com