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Psoriasis
Health Tips
All
information below is referenced from: psoriasissupport.com
Joint
Psoriasis (Psoriatic Arthritis)
Psoriatic
arthritis (PA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of
the joints and connective tissue. Between 10 and 30
percent of people with psoriasis develop PA. The immune
system plays an important role in developing PA, but
the environmental triggers and heredity are also involved.
PA
is characterized by stiffness, pain, swelling and
tenderness of the joints and the surrounding tissue.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent
progressive joint involvement. There is no definitive
test for PA. The symptoms are similar to rheumatoid
arthritis, but the disease is milder in its course.
The simultaneous presence of joint symptoms, along
with psoriasis of the skin and nail changes should
alert you to the possibility of PA.
Localized
PA: The mild form of the disease is localized to just
one or two joints. You may experience long periods
without symptoms.
Generalized
PA: About 10 to 30 percent of patients with PA develop
this more destructive form of the disease. When anti-inflammatory
drugs are not effective, more potent medications may
be required for treatment.
Treatment
Options
Early treatment can help slow the disease and preserve
joint function. Current therapy is aimed at relieving
pain, reducing swelling, keeping joints working properly
and preventing further damage. Severe cases of PA
can lead to deterioration of the spine and deformity
of the joints.
- Stretching
and exercise are vital to maintaining strength and
range of motion. Isometric exercise, for example,
pushing against a brick wall, is generally best.
Since there is no actual movement, it is less damaging
to the inflamed joints.
- During
daily activities, you can support a joint with a
splint that may help improve function or relieve
pain and swelling.
- Cold
packs can help reduce swelling and maintain joint
motion.
- Foot
and ankle arthritis is common in PA and can cause
a great deal of pain. If you have swollen toes,
be extra careful to choose shoes with a high toe
box or extra depth. Shoe inserts and/or pads may
also be helpful.
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