Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that influenced some people affected with psoriasis.  Psoriasis is mostly the first one to develop and is later detected with psoriatic arthritis.  However, joint problems can at times begin before the appearance of skin lesions.  The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are inflammation, stiffness and joint pain.  Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of the body which includes fingertips and spine.  It can vary from moderately mild to severe.  Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may flare up alternating with the episode of remission.

There is still no cure known for psoriatic arthritis.  Therefore, the main target is to control the symptoms and prevent the joints from damaging.  Psoriatic arthritis may result to disabling if no treatment will be applied.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are both chronic disorder that may get worse over a period of time.  However, there are times when the symptoms get better or go into remission alternating with the periods of worse symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis can involve joints on just one part or on both parts of the body.  Signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis frequently have similar with rheumatoid arthritis.  Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both causing the joints to become inflamed, painful and warm to touch.

Signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include the following.

• Psoriatic arthritis can cause the fingers and toes inflamed like a sausage look.  There is also the tendency to develop inflammation and malformation both in the hands and feet before the occurrence of joint symptoms.
• Psoriatic arthritis can also cause soreness at the joints where the tendons and ligaments are being connected to the bones particularly at the back of the heel or in the sole of the foot.
• Some people with psoriatic arthritis may develop a condition called spondylitis wherein the joints in between the vertebrae of the spine are inflamed.  Some may develop sacroiliitis wherein the joints between the spine and pelvis are swollen.

What are causes of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis develops when your body’s immune system starts to attack the healthy cells and tissue.  The unusual immune reaction will cause inflammation in your joints as well as the excessive production of skin cells.  It is not completely clear the reason why the immune system turns on healthy tissue but it likely appear that both the environmental factors and genetic involves a great part.  Most people affected with psoriatic arthritis runs in the family the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  Viral or bacterial infection or physical trauma may also cause psoriatic arthritis in people with hereditary tendency.

What is the risk factors affecting psoriatic arthritis?

There are several factors that may increase the possibility of psoriatic arthritis which include the following.

• People affected with psoriasis have greatest possibility of having psoriatic arthritis.  Most especially people who have psoriasis lesions on the nails.
• Most people affected with psoriatic arthritis have a sibling or a parent with the disorder.
• Psoriatic arthritis can occur at any age but it is mostly develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

 

What are the home remedies of psoriatic arthritis?

There are natural home remedies that can alleviate the pain of psoriatic arthritis and it includes the following.

1.     Provide protection for your joints.

Avoid your joints from getting hurt or injured.  There are simple ways that can help in your daily activities that may bring great difference in how you feel.  Use jar opener to open jars, use both hands in lifting heavy objects and push the door with your whole body than using your fingers only.

 

 

 

 

2.     Keep a healthy weight.

Keeping a healthy weight will put less strain on your joints.  This will decrease the pain and improved mobility and energy.  Learn to practice eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

 

 

 

 

3.     Do physical exercise regularly.

Doing regular exercise can help to maintain your muscles strong and your joints flexible.  Biking, walking and swimming are examples of exercise that are less stressful on joints.

 

 

 

 

4.     Make use of hot and cold packs.

Make use of cold packs if you want to dull the feeling of pain.  Cold packs can apply a number of times a day for 20 or 30 minutes at a time.  If you want to relax the stressed muscles and ease the pain you may apply heat packs.

 

 

 

5.     Find time to unwind.

Struggling with the pain and inflammation can cause fatigue.  Some of the arthritis medications can also weakness.  This does not mean that you’ll going to put to an end your everyday activities, but it is also important to relax before you become too weary.  Make sure to find time to relax a number of times all through the day.

 

 

 

Do not hesitate to consult a therapist or counselor that can help you more to lessen the pain of psoriatic arthritis.