Preventing and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Useful Advice and Strategies
In the fight against psoriatic arthritis (PsA), early identification and effective management of psoriasis symptoms could be key. Here's what you need to know.
Identifying Triggers Identifying and avoiding triggers for psoriasis, such as stress, smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and physical irritants, can help manage the condition more effectively. By minimizing these triggers, individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups.
Early Treatment Early treatment of psoriasis involves using topical medications, light therapy, and systemic or biologic medications to manage symptoms. By controlling psoriasis inflammation early, the risk of developing PsA may be reduced. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of developing PsA, so managing it effectively is crucial.
Reducing Inflammation Psoriasis is characterized by chronic inflammation, which can lead to joint inflammation seen in PsA. By reducing inflammation through effective treatment and lifestyle changes, the progression to PsA might be slowed or prevented.
Lifestyle Changes In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. These changes can contribute to better management of psoriasis and potentially reduce the risk of developing PsA.
Approximately 30% of people with psoriasis may develop PsA. Psoriatic arthritis typically develops about 10 years after a person gets psoriasis. Many people experience PsA as a series of symptom flares, with each person's flare characteristics varying.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent PsA, managing psoriasis effectively may help reduce the risk of developing this condition. Early intervention and lifestyle adjustments can play a significant role in this process.
If you think you may have early symptoms of PsA, speak to a doctor about unexplained skin patches or scales, new or worsening psoriasis symptoms, new or worsening arthritis symptoms, or PsA that stops responding to treatment. Treatment with antitumor necrosis factor alpha (a biologic medication to reduce inflammation) may help achieve remission in 58% of people with PsA after 1 year.
However, it's important to note that no specific preventive strategies are known for PsA. People who develop joint pain or stiffness should see a doctor, even if they do not think they have psoriasis. Frequent and regular communication with a doctor during a person's first few flares can help them better understand the disease and identify effective treatments.
Tests for inflammation may help assess the risk of PsA. People may choose to avoid certain triggering foods or follow an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes eating foods like salmon, tuna, and other cold water fish, berries, nuts and seeds, beans, olive oil, onions, and reducing salt and alcohol intake.
Strategies to reduce the severity and frequency of PsA flares include exercising regularly, managing stress with techniques such as yoga and meditation, trying complementary treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, maintaining a healthy body weight, and getting enough sleep.
In conclusion, managing psoriasis effectively may help reduce the risk of developing PsA. Early intervention, lifestyle adjustments, and regular communication with a healthcare professional can all contribute to better management of the condition and potentially prevent the development of PsA.
- Effective management of psoriasis triggers, such as stress and smoking, plays a significant role in the key fight against PsA.
- The established entity known as PsA typically develops about 10 years after a person gets psoriasis, making early treatment crucial for potential 'switchers'.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, psoriatic arthritis is one of the chronic diseases associated with an increased risk of psoriasis, and seeking effective treatment is essential for 'personas' dealing with these medical-conditions.
- As a 'seeker' of knowledge, it's important to note that while there is no guaranteed way to prevent PsA, managing psoriasis effectively may help mitigate the risk.
- Early intervention, along with lifestyle adjustments, can help potential 'switchers' reduce the risk of developing PsA and better manage the condition.
- Science and medicine have identified certain tests for inflammation that may aid in assessing the risk of developing PsA, and individuals can consider avoiding triggering foods or adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.
- In the battle against PsA, strategies to reduce the severity and frequency of flares include regular exercise, stress management techniques like yoga and meditation, complementary treatments, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring adequate sleep.
- Arthritis symptoms, whether new or worsening, should prompt consultations with a doctor, even if psoriasis isn't apparent—it's not exclusive to those already diagnosed with psoriasis.
- Treatment with antitumor necrosis factor alpha (a biologic medication) could potentially achieve remission in approximately 58% of PsA cases after a year.
- In the fight against PsA, mental-health and skin-care are equally important; adopting stress management techniques, exercise, and a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support overall wellness and potentially slow the progression of PsA.
