Psoriatic arthritis Infusion Therapy

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint condition that affects some people with psoriasis, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints, often in the fingers, toes, wrists, knees, and lower back, and can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent joint damage.

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Symptoms

Symptoms

The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
Swelling in one or more joints
"Sausage-like" swelling of fingers or toes, called dactylitis
Changes in fingernails or toenails, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed
Fatigue and tiredness
Reduced range of motion in affected joints
Tenderness or pain where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, known as enthesitis
Lower back pain and stiffness, if the spine is affected (psoriatic spondylitis)
Red, scaly skin patches typical of psoriasis (in most but not all cases)
Eye inflammation (uveitis) in some cases, causing redness and pain

These symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go over time, with periods of worsening (flares) and improvement.

Treatment Options

The main treatment options for psoriatic arthritis include:

Medications:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
Biologic drugs targeting specific parts of the immune system
Corticosteroids for short-term relief of severe symptoms

Physical therapy:

Exercises to improve joint flexibility and strength
Techniques to reduce pain and maintain function

Occupational therapy:

Adaptations for daily activities to protect joints
Assistive devices to improve function

Lifestyle changes:

Regular exercise, especially low-impact activities
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
Quitting smoking, which can worsen symptoms

Diet modifications:

Some find relief with anti-inflammatory diets
Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation

Hot and cold therapy:

Heat to relax muscles and increase blood flow
Cold to reduce inflammation and numb pain

Stress management:

Relaxation techniques, meditation, or counseling

Surgery:

In severe cases, joint replacement or other procedures may be necessary

Living With

Living with psoriatic arthritis means managing daily joint pain and stiffness, adjusting activities to protect affected joints, taking medications regularly, staying active with gentle exercises, and working closely with healthcare providers to control symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage, while also coping with the emotional challenges of a chronic condition that can impact work, relationships, and quality of life.