Tips for Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that affects tendons, ligaments, and joints – especially the fingers and toes. Patients with psoriatic arthritis may also be diagnosed with psoriasis – an autoimmune condition causing red, sometimes painful, lesions of the skin.

Psoriatic arthritis can be painful and limit your ability to function. It is a chronic disease for which there is no cure.

However, if you have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, you can still live an active and productive life. Learning how to manage your disease is one of the most important tools for living with a chronic illness.

Here are a few tried and true tips for managing your arthritis:

Medication
Your rheumatologist may prescribe medications to treat inflammation caused by psoriatic arthritis. These could include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), or biologic medications. Controlling inflammation has the added benefit of decreasing pain and reducing your risk of irreversible joint damage. Working closely with your rheumatologist is an important aspect of managing your arthritis.

Adaptive Devices
You will likely have some painful days as a person living with psoriatic arthritis. Adaptive devices like finger grips, large-handled utensils, and bath and shower bars may help ease the strain on your hands, wrists, and fingers. An evaluation by an occupational therapist can help identify which devices would best serve you in your daily activities.

Comfortable Shoes
Dactylitis, the sausage-like swelling of the fingers and toes that occurs in psoriatic arthritis, can make wearing shoes feel unbearable. Investing in a pair of comfortable shoes with appropriate cushioning, arch support, and room in the toe box can assist with alleviating pain during times of toe swelling. Insoles and orthotics are also helpful. Never underestimate the power of good footwear!

Exercise and Diet
Movement and a healthy diet are great tools for managing weight and preventing comorbid conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, and lean protein while limiting alcohol, full-fat dairy, and red meat. Maintaining a healthy weight decreases the amount of stress on the joints and allows you to maintain your flexibility. Exercise also acts as a wonderful way to relieve stress. Speaking of which…

Managing Stress
This tip is easier said than done. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial woes, and the general concern of living with a chronic illness can all be sources of stress. However, it’s important to minimize these factors as much as possible, as stress can result in disease flares. Journaling, working with a therapist, exercising, pursuing passions, and spending time with friends and family are all great ways to reduce stress.

Warm and Cold Packs
Even with the best medication regimen, joints may still swell or hurt; especially after a recent illness, increased physical activity or when switching from one therapy to another. In these instances, local treatment of the joints with warm packs (to reduce pain and stiffness) and cold packs (to reduce swelling) are particularly helpful.

Occupational and Physical Therapy
Occupational and physical therapists are valuable clinicians who can help you adapt to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Occupational therapists are skilled in assisting you with new techniques to fulfill your activities of daily living, such as cooking, driving, typing, or carrying out self-hygiene tasks. A physical therapist can work with you to help maintain joint and muscle strength and flexibility. These therapists are vital components in managing your psoriatic arthritis. Don’t hesitate to ask your rheumatologist for a referral!

While chronic in nature, psoriatic arthritis is a manageable condition. Your rheumatologist will work closely with you to determine the best medication regimen to treat and control your disease. However, there are many things you can do to manage your symptoms and overall health. Hopefully, using these tips will improve your quality of life while living with psoriatic arthritis.