Reducing the pain of psoriatic arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritic joint disease which is associated with psoriasis of the skin. It causes inflammation that is typified by scaly, itchy, and red skin. Psoriatic arthritis is known to exist in a few different forms and causes pain and swelling in joints like fingers, toes, elbows. It is identified more frequently in people between the ages of 35-45. Although the disease is not fatal, it causes extreme discomfort. To date, no cure has been established for psoriatic arthritis but changes in lifestyle are recommended to ease the pain. In order to determine the exact form of arthritis ailing a person, a doctor should be consulted.

Symptoms

People affected with psoriasis tend to develop psoriatic arthritis over time. The common symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis are:

Red scaly skin that itches and burns

Pain and swelling in the joints; the affected joints may also experience reduced activity and difficulty n movement

Discolored nails

Fatigue and depression in the morning

Inflammation of other organs such as the eye – conjunctivitis

Treatment

• The treatment for psoriatic arthritis aims to reduce the pain and discomfort; it may also be able to prevent damage to the joints. The treatment entails slow to moderate physical activity, medications, therapy and perhaps surgery, in certain extreme cases.

• Ointments: Creams and ointments help to treat the affected skin. However, in case of severe psoriatic arthritis, ointments may be combined with drugs to relieve the pain. Topical medications are anthralin, coal tar, retinoids etc.

Medications

NSAIDS :

• During the initial mild stages of psoriatic arthritis, a doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include Advil and Motrin and these attempt to reduce pain and swelling. Often, some other NSAIDs are also prescribed – all with the same purpose. The typical side-effects of NSAIDs include stomach irritation, ulcers, kidney damage and heart failure, in cases of prolonged extra doses. A doctor should always be consulted before any NSAIDs are consumed.

• COX_2 Inhibitors: COX-2 Inhibitors work to achieve the same purpose as NSAIDs; however, they function in another way and this makes them less harmful to the stomach; however, they increase the chances of heart attack and stroke. Celebrex is an example.

• Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDS help to reduce the joint damage as well in psoriatic arthritis. However, it may take weeks before the effects get noticeable. DMARDs may be prescribed along with pain relievers due to this. Examples of DMARDs are sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), gold salts, and methotrexate.

• Immunosuppressant medications: these medications tend to suppress the body’s immune system. As a result, they are prescribed in extreme cases of psoriatic arthritis. Their side-effects include anemia as well as liver and kidney problems. Common immunosuppressants include azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral). These drugs are sometimes called Biologics.

• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers: Certain types of arthritis have an inflammatory agent in the immune system called the tumor nercossis factor. TNF blockers act by blocking the tumor necrosis factor. In this manner, they reduce pain and swelling within two weeks of taking the medication. Two common TNF blockers for psoriatic arthritis are etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade).

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term subsequent use as it may render them ineffective. Initially, they work well to reduce inflammation and the pace of joint damage. Prolonged use may lead to cataracts, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and decreased resistance to infection. Considering these factors, doctors prescribe corticosteroids for a short period to get rid of acute symptoms.

Risk factors

Genetic: Psoriatic arthritis patients are likely to pass it on to someone in the family through genes

Age: People between 30-50 years of age are most commonly affected

Race: Caucasians are more susceptible to psoriatic arthritis than other races

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