Like Many Other Conditions the Challenge to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis is in Diagnosing it
Psoriatic Arthritis generally doesn’t occur before the age of 30. The most vulnerable age is between 40 to 50 years for males. A combination of X-rays, bone fluid tests and blood tests help diagnosing psoriatic arthritis before its treatment is embarked.
If you have psoriasis then there are almost one in two chances that you will develop psoriatic arthritis.
Like all other types of arthritis, it causes stiffness, pain and difficulties in the movement of affected joints. Early diagnosis does help to manage the condition and prevent severe and widespread joint damage.
Treatment Depends on Types of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can be mainly divided in to five types. People may suffer a combination of these types.
Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) is one of the most common types of arthritis which affects the joints near fingernails and toenails.
Another type called Arthritis Mutilans also affects joints near fingernails and toenails but it severely deforms the joints. This type of arthritis can affect spine as well.
Another type of arthritis that develops in the spine is spodalities arthritis which stiffens the spine and causes severe pain.
In addition to these the arthritis can be classified as Symmetric and Asymmetric depending on whether it affects identical joints on both sides of the body or not.
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
Like the other types of arthritis Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include tiredness, stiffness of joint and pain.
The pain and stiffness is particularly notices early in the morning or waking up from the rest.
Swelling of fingers and toes is very common inflaming your tendons (Dactylitis). In some cases it can lead to conjunctivitis or iritis( red eye).
Red patches and thickens skins couples with flaking and reduced range of movement are typical symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is more of a genetic condition. It runs in families. Exact causes of psoriatic arthritis are not well understood but sometimes environmental factors can cause it perhaps by impacting the immune system.
If your parents or grand parents have it then you are at risk. Early treatment can help reduce the pain.
Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis
There are three different ways in which psoriatic arthritis treatment is doen. The first and foremost is self help.
Regular exercises such as aerobic, walking, swimming and cycling to strengthen your muscles around the joints will help in reducing pain and stiffness and maintain joint movements. In addition, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation will be beneficial.
It is important to not overdo physical exercises to ensure avoiding joint damages. Sometimes physiotherapy under and expert may be required.
Other options are medicines and surgical treatment. Normally pain killers and anti inflammatory medication are prescribed by your doctor.
Surgical treatments such as hip or knee replacements are considered in old ages. With the advancements in medical technology surgical treatment of psoriatic arthritis has become safe and long lasting.
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