Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Psoriatic Arthritis

How is inflammation treated?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:09:32 +0000

Answered: What are some symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:09:02 +0000

If you have psoriatic arthritis you may get problems like:

Severe swelling in your fingers or toes
Foot pain, often at the bottom or the heel
Pain in your lower back
Scaly patches on your skin that flake
Pitted or discolored nails

Answered: How does slowing down help ease psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:07:36 +0000

Stress can cause your psoriatic arthritis to flare up. Lower your risk by doing things that relax you. Try yoga, meditation, going for a walk, or reading a good book.

Answered: How is bone density used to diagnose psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:06:46 +0000

Because psoriatic arthritis may lead to bone loss, your doctor may want to measure your bone strength. You could be at risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

Answered: What are some ways to ease fatigue from psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:05:29 +0000

Fatigue can be a side effect of some drugs used to treat psoriatic arthritis, too. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may make you drowsy. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Some psoriatic arthritis medication can make you tired. Ask your doctor if you might do better with another drug.
Exercise can boost your energy and help you sleep better.
Avoid candy, chips, and other sugary and starchy foods. They’ll sap your energy later.
Limit caffeine, which can keep you from getting a good night’s rest.
Curb stress. It drains your energy.
Put away your smartphone or tablet at bedtime. The light tells your brain to stay awake.
Take your drugs the way your doctor says to. They'll help control the inflammation and pain, which can leave you tired.

Answered: Why should you not use your phone before bedtime?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:04:49 +0000

Don't use a device that glows, like a smartphone or tablet, before bedtime. The light tells your brain to stay awake.

Answered: How can exercise improve your psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:03:42 +0000

Exercise will boost your energy level. It can also ease some joint pain so you sleep better.

Answered: How can stress affect your psoriatic arthritis and cause fatigue?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:02:39 +0000

When you feel anxious and tense because of stress, it can take a toll on your sleep and drain your energy.

Answered: How should I take my psoriatic arthritis medicine?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:02:08 +0000

Missing your meds. Take your drugs the way your doctor prescribed them. They'll help control the inflammation and pain, which could cause fatigue.

Answered: How can psoriatic arthritis cause fatigue?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 10:01:22 +0000

When you have psoriatic arthritis, your body makes proteins, called cytokines that cause inflammation and may also cause fatigue, although doctors aren't sure why. When you have a flare, the cytokines set your immune system off. But instead of fighting an infection, your immune system attacks your joints. Maybe the fatigue comes from your body using energy to do this.

Answered: How might counseling help if you have psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:59:59 +0000

One of the best things you can do when your feelings start to get to you is to talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. Counseling can help you change negative thinking patterns, plan strategies, and build skills to become stronger emotionally.

Answered: What do I need to know about depression and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:58:25 +0000

Not everyone who has psoriatic arthritis have depression. But depression can go along with this condition. If you have depression symptoms, tell your doctor.

Answered: How can psoriatic arthritis medications cause fatigue?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:56:43 +0000

Fatigue can be a side effect of some drugs used to treat psoriatic arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may make you drowsy. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Some painkillers, such as tramadol, can also have this effect.

Answered: How can psoriatic arthritis make you tired?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:47:48 +0000

This condition leads your body to make a protein called cytokines, which causes inflammation. So your joints may swell and be painful or stiff. The proteins also make you tired, but doctors aren’t sure why. One reason might be that psoriatic arthritis forces your body to spend energy to attack your own immune system.

This disease also may prevent you from sleeping well. If that’s a problem, talk to your doctor. A medication may help you get better rest.

Answered: How can staying active help you if you have psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:43:05 +0000

It’s good for your mood as well as your joints. If simple activities like walking are hard, get in the pool. The water supports your weight, so you can move more easily and without impact on your joints.

Consider yoga, tai chi, or qi gong, too. These gentle, meditative practices help you find a sense of centered calm and keep you flexible.

Answered: How can stress affect psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:41:24 +0000

Stress can trigger a psoriasis flare-up, particularly for women. Take charge of your tension to ease your symptoms and keep things from getting worse. You can meditate, listen to soothing music, go for a walk, practice yoga, or try tai chi. Find what works for you, and do it for at least 15 minutes every day.

Answered: What is spondylitis psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:35:36 +0000

Spondylitis affects the spinal column and may cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck, lower back, spinal vertebrae, or sacroiliac region (pelvic area), making motion difficult. Spondylitis also can attack connective tissue, such as ligaments, or cause arthritic disease in the joints of the arms, hips, legs, or feet.

Answered: How can applying heat and coldness help with psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:19:39 +0000

Moist heat can relax achy muscles and relieve stiffness and joint pain. You can use a warm towel, hot pack, or take a warm bath or shower. Coldness can cut back on swelling and ease pain. You can cool down with a bag of ice or with frozen veggies wrapped in a towel.

Answered: How can a healthy diet help with psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:17:29 +0000

Some people claim that certain diets, such as eating only gluten-free foods, will ease inflammation. Your symptoms may get better if you follow these diets, but there's no proof they work. Your best bet is to stay at a healthy weight. It helps ease your inflammation, joint pain, and fatigue. A nutritious diet is also a good idea to help you avoid heart disease. Having psoriatic arthritis makes it more likely that you'll get it.

Answered: How can devices affect psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:16:34 +0000

Canes, crutches, braces, and shoe inserts can all help provide support, ease your pain, and help you get around. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you decide which is best for you. They can also teach you how to use it properly. Other devices, like jar openers and long-handled grabbers, can make your day-to-day life easier.

Answered: How is an enzyme inhibitor used to treat psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:16:01 +0000

Apremilast (Otezla) is a new kind of drug for long-term inflammation diseases like psoriatic arthritis. It's a pill that works by blocking a specific enzyme, a kind of protein, called PDE-4. That helps to slow other reactions that lead to inflammation.

Answered: What is a common side effect of psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:15:30 +0000

Extreme fatigue is a common side effect of psoriatic arthritis. It’s also a side effect of many meds that treat it. Your condition may also cause anemia, which leads to fatigue.

If you feel more tired than usual, tell your doctor so she can find out what’s causing it and how to fix it.

Answered: How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:15:08 +0000

An accurate and early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis will help you avoid the damage and deformity it can cause. Your doctor will make a decision based on:

No single thing will diagnose psoriatic arthritis, but blood tests, imaging, and other tests can help your doctor. He or she may want to give you certain tests that check for rheumatoid arthritis, because it can look a lot like psoriatic arthritis.

Your symptoms
A physical exam
Your medical history and your family's
Lab tests

Answered: What are the treatments that can help with enthesitis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:14:36 +0000

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like naproxen and ibuprofen, can help with inflammation and pain. If the enthesitis is caused by an autoimmune arthritis, your doctor also may prescribe a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, such as methotrexate, or biologics such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), or infliximab (Remicade). Your doctor may recommend steroids for areas that are especially stiff or painful.

Answered: What are the 11 signs of lupus?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:14:08 +0000

ches on your skin
You're sensitive to light
Ulcers in your mouth or nose
Arthritis in two or more joints, plus swelling or tenderness
Inflammation in the lining of your heart or lungs
Seizures or other nerve problems
Too much protein in your urine
Low blood cell counts
Certain antibodies in your blood
Results from a blood test called an ANA test that suggest you may have too many "antinuclear" antibodies, which could be a sign of lupus

Answered: Can eating a Mediterranean diet help with my symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:13:44 +0000

A recent study showed that eating a diet high in extra-virgin olive oil could make psoriasis symptoms less severe. That’s because it has omega-3s. It also contains oleocanthal, which relieves swelling. If you choose this way of eating, you’ll get to have lots of cold-water fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Answered: What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the chest, lungs, and heart?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:13:17 +0000

Although rare, chest pain and shortness of breath can be symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These might happen when the chest wall and the cartilage that links your ribs to your breastbone get inflamed. Even more rarely, your lungs or your aorta could be affected.

Answered: What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the fingernails and toenails?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:12:50 +0000

Many people with psoriatic arthritis see tiny dents, called pitting, and ridges in their nails.

Answered: Where can you get nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:12:22 +0000

You can get nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter and by prescription. The most common are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Answered: What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the tendons?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:11:52 +0000

You could also get inflammation where a muscle connects to a bone, such as the Achilles tendon behind your heel. It would hurt to walk and climb stairs as a result.

Answered: What is the hands-on treatment for psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:11:30 +0000

Massage may loosen muscles, ease pain and stiffness, and help you relax your joints. Spas and clinics offer massages, or you could have a massage therapist come to your home. Acupuncture and acupressure may also ease your pain. In acupuncture, the therapist inserts tiny, thin needles into specific spots on your body related to your pain. An acupressure therapist presses firmly into your skin with fingers instead. Ask your doctor to help you find a good therapist. You should also tell them about your condition before you begin treatment.

Answered: What are some symptoms of enthesitis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:11:02 +0000

Common spots for enthesitis to happen are around your heel, knee, hip, toes, fingertips, elbow, backbone, and the bottom of your foot. You'll feel pain and stiffness, especially when you're moving. You also might notice swelling around those areas. This pain can be different from other types of arthritis pain because you usually feel it next to a joint or spread out over a wider area rather than inside a joint.

Answered: Will a gluten-free diet help my psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:10:37 +0000

Research shows that as many as 25% of people with psoriasis may be sensitive to this protein that’s found in wheat and barley. It's used in processed foods as a thickener. It’s not found in fruits and vegetables, rice, meat, beans, potatoes, and dairy.

Answered: How can you protect your joints if you have psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:10:13 +0000

You don’t have to give up the things you love to do. Just look for ways to do them that take the stress off your joints. The way you walk, sit, stand, or hold things can help. Change your position at work, at home, and throughout the day. Sit and stand up straight, and don't arch your back. Good posture helps you feel better.

Answered: What will a psoriatic arthritis care plan include?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:09:37 +0000

Psoriatic arthritis treatment has come a long way since doctors first recognized the condition in the 1950s. These days, your doctor can help you figure out how to ease symptoms and prevent joint damage.

Your plan probably will involve medicine, exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management.

Answered: How can diet affect psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:07:52 +0000

A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help ease your symptoms. And omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation. You can get them from fish like salmon, lake trout, herring, sardines, and tuna.

Answered: What causes psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:07:23 +0000

Psoriatic arthritis can happen if you have psoriasis, a condition that causes your skin to get red patches and silvery scales. Sometimes people get psoriasis first and then have psoriatic arthritis later, but others get the arthritis symptoms first. Like lupus, psoriatic arthritis happens when your immune system attacks your healthy cells and tissues. This causes your joints to get inflamed and your skin to make too many cells. It's not clear what causes the immune system to attack your body when you have psoriatic arthritis, but just like lupus, it's likely that genes and triggers play a role.

Answered: What are the side effects of biologics for psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:06:49 +0000

Biologics work well for many people, but they have downsides. They're expensive, and they can have side effects and risks. You may get dizzy, feel sick like you've got a cold, or have a reaction where you get your shot. They can also lower your immune system's response. When you're taking one, let your doctor know if you get the flu or another infection. You'll be tested for tuberculosis before starting your biologic and checked while you're on it. You'll also get tested for hepatitis B and C. A biologic can raise your chances of getting lymphoma, a blood cancer, although this is rare.

Answered: What is enthesitis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:06:21 +0000

Tendons are the tissues that attach your muscles to your bones. Ligaments are what attach your bones to one another. The places where your tendons and ligaments meet your bones are called entheses. Sometimes, these connection points can get inflamed and become painful because of injury, overuse, or disease. This is known as enthesitis, also sometimes called enthesopathy.

Answered: When should you see a doctor about psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:05:55 +0000

If you have psoriasis and your joints hurt, let your doctor know: People without psoriasis can get psoriatic arthritis. You should call your doctor if you have:

Stiff joints
Painful or swollen joints
Irritated, red eyes

Answered: What can your doctor prescribe if disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs don't work for psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:05:28 +0000

If those don't work, your doctor may prescribe a biologic. These are a newer type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These medications block a protein that causes inflammation. They include:

Adalimumab (Humira)
Adalimumab-atto (Amjevita), a biosimilar to Humira
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Etanercept-szzs (Erelzi), a biosimilar to Enbrel
Golimumab (Simponi)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra), a biosimilar to Remicade
Ixekizumab (Taltz)
Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
Ustekinumab (Stelara)

Answered: What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the joints?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:04:54 +0000

Often you'll see swelling in your knees, ankles, feet and hands. Usually, a few joints are inflamed at a time. They get painful and puffy, and sometimes hot and red. When your fingers or toes are affected, they might take on a sausage shape.

Stiff joints are common, too. They're typically worse early in the morning.

Psoriatic arthritis might affect pairs of joints on both sides of your body, like both of your knees, ankles, hips, and elbows.

Pain and stiffness in your neck, upper back, low back, and buttocks could be from inflammation in the joints of your spine and hip bones.

A rare and very destructive form of arthritis rapidly damages joints at the ends of fingers and toes. They could stop working properly, which means you may have difficulty keeping your balance when standing as well as when walking. You may also have trouble using your hands.

Answered: How can exfoliation affect psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:04:29 +0000

Remove the scales and flakes from your skin to ease the burning and itching. This will make your lotions and anti-itch ointments work better. Over-the-counter lotions that have ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or phenol can help soften and remove scales.

Answered: How can staying warm affect psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:04:04 +0000

When you’re stiff, a bit of warmth can really help. Since hot baths and showers are bad for your skin, put the heat right where it’s needed. Use an electric heating pad, a microwaveable heat wrap, or an air-activated heat pack. You can even soothe stiff fingers and moisturize your hands at the same time: Apply oil to your hands, put on rubber gloves, and soak your hands in warm water for five to 10 minutes.

Answered: What is arthritis mutilans?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:03:32 +0000

Arthritis mutilans is a severe, deforming, and destructive form of psoriatic arthritis that primarily affects the small joints in the fingers and toes closest to the nail. This leads to lost function of the involved joints. It also is frequently associated with lower back and neck pain. Fortunately, this type of psoriatic arthritis is rare.

Answered: Should I relax before bedtime to avoid psoriatic arthritis-related fatigue?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:02:03 +0000

Yes. Take a soothing, warm bath to ease your joint pain and stiffness. Listen to soft music or read a book to take your mind off your daily stress.

Answered: Can exercising help with my symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:37:17 +0000

Exercise is good for your joints and will also ease swelling and arthritic pain.

Answered: If I have fatigue due to psoriatic arthritis, can caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol make it harder for me to fall asleep?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:36:33 +0000

Skip caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime. You might think smoking a cigarette, sipping hot tea, or having a cocktail will relax you. The truth is, they’ll make it harder for you to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Answered: Should I watch what I eat if I have psoriatic arthritis-related fatigue?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:36:03 +0000

Your body needs the right fuel, so opt for lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid sugars or starchy items that give you a short-term lift and then leave you drained.

Answered: I have psoriatic arthritis-related fatigue, what should I do if my mattress or pillows aren't comfortable?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:35:26 +0000

Use comfortable, supportive bedding. If your mattress or pillows aren’t comfy, you might not be able to stay asleep. Your pain may even get worse. Think about getting pillows or buying a new mattress.