Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that’s unique to those who have the autoimmune disease psoriasis. Untreated, it can cause joint deformity and other complications.
Up to 3% of the world’s population suffers from psoriasis, which causes itchy, painful rashes and other uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have psoriasis, you have about a one-third chance to go on to develop psoriatic arthritis. You’re more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis if you:
At the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey, our expert rheumatologists and medical providers diagnose and treat psoriatic arthritis at our offices in Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey. We offer both lifestyle adjustments and cutting-edge therapies to keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of complications.
How can you minimize your risk for psoriatic arthritis? Even though researchers haven’t yet identified ways to prevent the complication, managing your psoriasis helps. Here’s how to do it.
If the word “exercise” turns you off, find a kind of movement that can be your new jam. Maybe it’s daily nature walks. Maybe it’s taking a dance class with friends. Maybe it’s joining a local sports team.
While it may seem counterintuitive, if you want to preserve your joints, you have to move them. When you’re inactive and lead a sedentary (i.e., mostly sitting or reclining) lifestyle, your joints get stiffer faster.
Every joint in your body is meant to be moved. Humans thrive in motion. The more you add a variety of movement into your life, the healthier your joints will stay.
Each time you move your joints, a special tissue called the synovium releases a lubricant called synovial fluid. That fluid helps reduce friction in your joints and lets them move smoothly and painlessly.
So after you’ve been sitting for a while, stand up and stretch. Take a stroll around your home or office. Exercise and movement, of course, will improve more than your joints; they’re essential for cardiovascular health, brain health, and overall wellness.
Although you can’t eat away psoriasis, you can choose foods that are less likely to trigger the inflammation that sparks a psoriasis flare. Kick inflammatory foods off the menu. That includes:
Instead, explore the Mediterranean diet, Asian diets, or other world cuisines that emphasize whole foods and a balance of macronutrients. Some foods to explore include:
If it seems daunting to change your diet all at once and on your own, enlist some friends to take the adventure with you. You can explore recipes together, shop together, or have healthy dinner parties as you work toward a healthier, less inflammatory diet.
It’s not easy to relax when you have a chronic disease like psoriasis. But just as diet and exercise are more important than ever, so is taking the time to let yourself let go.
You can try relaxation techniques on your own, such as deep breathing or meditation. Or you can join a class that helps you learn techniques to manage stress.
You may also benefit from therapy. Managing a chronic disease can be stressful. Therapy may help you learn how to calm yourself when faced with yet another flare.
If you do experience aching or swollen joints, don’t ignore them. You might be able to alleviate some of the pain and increase your range of motion by alternating heat therapy with cold therapy.
Heat therapy works by increasing the flow of blood to your joint tissues and muscles. Try a sauna, spa, or even a hot bath. You can also use a heating pad.
Cold therapy helps your joints because it reduces inflammation. Try ice packs, cold plunges, or ice massages.
If your doctor has prescribed medications for your psoriasis, take them. Not only can they subdue an uncomfortable flare, they help turn down inflammation in your body so you’re less likely to exacerbate the disease.
If you have psoriasis and have noticed joint stiffness, pain, or swelling, call our helpful staff for a psoriatic arthritis consultation today, or request an appointment online. We serve Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.
