Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that frequently impacts those who have psoriasis, the skin condition marked by redness and scales. This type of arthritis can present itself before or after psoriasis first emerges. Fortunately, you can learn all about psoriatic arthritis today.
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is the result of an immune system response that targets healthy cells. This reaction can be caused by many factors, such as genetic markers in a family’s bloodline or environmental stimuli. It can even be triggered by seemingly unrelated health issues, like physical trauma and bacterial or viral infections. 1
While its causes are often mysterious, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are predictable: swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Unlike arthritis, however, this condition targets specific areas of the body. Fingers and toes tend to swell uncomfortably, while inflammation in the vertebrae can lead to a separate condition called spondylitis.
Psoriatic arthritis also leaves its mark on the skin and nails. Silvery scales tend to appear on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp. Another prominent feature of this skin condition is pitting of the nails, whereby fingernails and toenails can fall apart or separate from their nail beds. The combination of these invisible and visible symptoms can be overwhelming, leading to mental health concerns.
Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis
The diagnostic procedure for this condition is rather informal. Your family doctor or a medical professional can assess your symptoms and determine if it’s psoriatic arthritis or another condition that resembles the onset (like rheumatoid arthritis).
There are also online questionnaires that you can take, like the five-question screener offered by the National Psoriasis Foundation. 2 Online screening tools do not negate the need to get diagnosed by a medical professional, but it can be helpful for your own peace of mind.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Options
While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are many treatments and therapies available to manage the symptoms. The most effective treatments include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs, abbreviated as NSAIDs, can be purchased over the counter at your nearest drug store. Aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are common examples of drugs that control inflammation and pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
Biologics: This class of medications is intended for more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis. For example, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is one biologic that can combat aggressive symptoms with proven results. A word of warning: not everyone responds favorably to biologics so doctors will only prescribe one type at a time. 3
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: Rather than alleviating symptoms, this class of drugs (known as DMARDs) address the cause of inflammation and joint damage. As a result, psoriatic arthritis symptoms often decrease. DMARDs can be used in conjunction with a biologic, if your doctor deems it necessary.
Corticosteroids: Through oral doses or injections, corticosteroids are an efficient but short-term remedy for inflammation and joint pain. Frequently, they are used during flare-ups to bring quick relief.
Topical creams: Certain over-the-counter and prescription creams can be supplemental aids in your battle against joint pain and skin scales. Look for over-the-counter creams that contain vitamin A, coal tar, anthralin, or salicylic acid. Prescription creams, on the other hand, often have corticosteroids in them.
Psoriatic Arthritis Coping Strategies
The painful and anxiety-causing nature of psoriatic arthritis can quickly impact an individual’s mental health. Fortunately, there are many lifestyle changes that can help you cope — and even reduce your symptoms!
Exercise and Diet
Exercise is a great way to keep your joints limber, so invest some time in low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, or Tai Chi. As always, exercise and diet interact favorably when planned mindfully. By organizing your diet around anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), you can decrease the severity of your psoriatic arthritis.
Stress and Sleep
Stress is a known trigger for psoriatic arthritis symptoms, so it’s important to find healthy ways to calm your mind. Meditation, Qi Gong, and deep breathing exercises are excellent activities to promote a ‘zen’ frame of mind. They can also help you get a good night’s sleep, which is important for your mental state and symptom management.
Support Groups
Talk therapy is a wonderful way to vent about your psoriatic arthritis. Find a support group in your area where you can meet people who are on a similar journey. Feeling seen and heard can make a big difference to your mental health.
Promising New Treatment Options
One of the newest drugs approved by the FDA for treating psoriatic arthritis is Guselkumab (better known as Tremfya). This injected biologic has found success by targeting a specific immune system protein (IL-23) that minimizes symptoms. Risankizumab (known as Skyrizi) is another drug that focuses on the IL-23 protein. In many studies, it has proven to reduce swelling and joint pain. 4
Beyond those two medications, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are frequently enlisted when biologics and other drugs fail to work. True to their name, these medications work by inhibiting specific enzymes (called Janus kinases) from worsening psoriatic arthritis symptoms. This class of drugs is especially convenient because it can be taken orally.
Clinical studies for psoriatic arthritis treatments are ongoing and certain drugs, like Izokibep, show tremendous promise. This inhibitor targets the IL-17A protein and reduces symptoms effectively while still meeting all safety protocols. 5
While these new treatment options sound exciting, it’s important to research each drug and explore their costs and side effects. An open conversation with your doctor can help you decide if any of these treatments are right for you.
Don’t Let Psoriatic Arthritis Slow You Down
While flare-ups come and go, psoriatic arthritis will not get better by suffering in silence. The condition can have a debilitating impact on your daily comfort, self esteem, and mental health. That’s why it’s essential to seek out medical assistance and discuss your options.
As new treatments and therapies continue to emerge, it’s important to prioritize your well-being and make healthy lifestyle choices. By engaging in low-impact exercise, eating well, and finding mental health supports, you can live a full and happy life with psoriasis arthritis.