Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) can significantly affect a persons life.
Not everyone who has PsA will develop psoriasis.
However, having psoriasis first makes it easier for your healthcare provider to diagnose PsA later down the road.
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In the small jointsfingers and toesa person may clearly see joint deformity that has resulted from ongoing inflammation.
It may also result in more pain and disability.
Joint problems are not the only concerns for people with PsA.
A number of drugs can help in achieving remission or low disease activity for people with PsA.
Most of these are available over-the-counter (OTC).
Your healthcare provider can prescribe a stronger version if needed.
COX-2 inhibitor drugs relieve pain and inflammation without the stomachside effectsNSAIDs are known for.
Corticosteroids:These drugs help with reducing pain and inflammation.
They are only used in the short-term because they cause adverse side effects.
Your healthcare provider may also give you a corticosteroid with an injection to the affected joint or joints.
Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs): Traditional DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine.
These drugs slow down immune system processes that cause chronic inflammation.
Many of these drugs have been used to treat PsA and a variety of autoimmune disease for many decades.
These drugs are genetically modified proteins that target specific parts of your immune system known for fueling inflammation.
They can help ease joint pain and swelling, and skin symptoms associated with PsA.
These drugs include Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib).
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatments for your unique situation.
Remission does not mean psoriatic arthritis is cured.
You will still need to take medications while in remission.
Research shows people who stop taking medications will have symptoms return within a few months.
Life Expectancy
Psoriatic arthritis does not usually affect a persons life expectancy and it is not life-threatening.
This is likely because people with PsA have a higher risk for developing conditions that may decrease life expectancy.
It is hard to know exactly how PsA will affect a persons life because PsA varies from person-to-person.
For some people, the condition does progress early and quickly and causes severe symptoms.
For others, PsA is slow progressing and symptoms are not significant or life-altering.
Pain
PsA causes pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other disease symptoms.
In addition, skin changes may lead to discomfort.
Severe symptoms can limit a persons ability to perform daily activities.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce mild pain.
Staying active can help to relieve joint stiffness and prevent muscle weakness.
Trylight exercises, such as swimming, walking, yoga, and gentle stretching.
The risk for mental health conditions,including anxietyand depression, is higher in people with psoriatic arthritis.
If you areexperiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
Treatment is available and managing mental health concerns eventually results in better disease outcomes and improved quality of life.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis statistics.
