THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATMENTS THAT CAN BE USED TO HELP WITH THE SYMPTOMS AND INFLAMMATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONDITION.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physiotherapy generally involves working one-on-one with a professional called a physiotherapist (PT) to improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and general tolerance of exercise and mobility. PTs use many therapeutic techniques to help with pain and movement.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy generally involves working one-on-one with a professional called an occupational therapist (OT) to develop a program to help with your day-to-day activities and design a program to protect your joints and minimize fatigue. Occupational therapy may involve coming up with strategies to make your home or workplace easier to navigate or recommending useful assistive devices to make things easier and more comfortable.
MEDICATIONS
Various medications are available to use in people with psoriatic arthritis for symptom and disease management.
Consult a doctor to see whether drugs for psoriatic arthritis would be recommended as part of your plan.
Some options your doctor may recommend include:
NSAIDS
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory drugs agents that, while not specifically indicated to treat psoriatic arthritis, are often recommended by doctors to help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
Side effects
Side effects may include:
• stomach irritation including: nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea or constipation
• headache
• dizziness
• skin rashes or irritation
Please note these are not all the side effects you may experience. If you experience a severe side effect or one not listed here, please contact your health care professional.
DMARDs
CONVENTIONAL DMARDs
Conventional DMARDs help reduce the inflammation that causes joint and skin swelling. They are used to control disease, but not cure it.
Side effects
Side effects may include:
• upset stomach, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea
• dizziness, chills and fever, sores on mouth or lips
• fall in the number of white blood cells. This may reduce your resistance to infection and increase your chances of cold sores, blood poisoning or the swelling of blood vessels
• headaches, hair loss, mood changes, confusion, ringing in the ears, sore eyes, skin rashes
• fall in the number of other blood cells. This may increase your chances of bruising, bleeding or tiredness
• damage to the lungs
Please note these are not all the side effects you may experience. If you experience a severe side effect or one not listed here, please contact your health care professional.
TARGETED DMARDs
Targeted DMARDs can reduce the activity of specific enzymes in the immune system, which reduces the signs and symptoms of PsA.
Side effects
Side effects may include:
• Diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Itching, rash, or upset stomach
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Fatigue
• Serious infections, such as tuberculosis and other fungal, bacterial, and viral infections have been reported
• Lymphoma, other cancers, and serious conditions have also been reported
Please note these are not all the side effects you may experience. If you experience a severe side effect or one not listed here, please contact your health care professional.
BIOLOGICS
Biologics for psoriatic arthritis are medications that block the effect of certain molecules that can cause inflammation of the joints and skin. They can reduce the signs and symptoms of PsA, such as pain, morning stiffness, and fatigue, and slow down the progression of joint damage, and may help prevent further damage to bones and joints. Some products may also help improve physical functioning and the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, walking, and climbing stairs.
Side effects
Side effects may include:
• injection site redness, swelling, itching, or bruising
• shortness of breath, rash, and headaches
• abdominal pain, back pain, coughing, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, itchiness, pain
• upper respiratory infections (such as bronchitis, sinusitis, cold, sore throat)
• upset stomach and urinary tract infections
• Serious infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
• Liver injury, heart failure, nervous system disorders
• Certain forms of cancer: lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer have been reported
Please note these are not all the side effects you may experience. If you experience a severe side effect or one not listed here, please contact your health care professional.
CORTICOSTEROIDS
In psoriatic arthritis treatment, corticosteroids can reduce inflammation.
Side effects
Side effects may include:
• increased appetite, weight gain, bloating, change in taste, abnormal fat deposits
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion
• hiccups
• thinning hair, unusual hair growth
• feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness
• dizziness, forgetfulness, confusion, tired, irritated, euphoria (intense feelings of well-being, elation, happiness, excitement and joy)
• change in strength and reflexes
• rounder face
• increased sweating
• headache
• increased or decreased motility and number of sperm
• Skin problems: thin, fragile, dry, itchy, tingling, tickling, prickling, burning, spots containing blood or cause by broken blood vessels, lightening or darkening of an area of skin, rash, acne or an area of pus that is red, warm, and swollen (abscess)
Please note these are not all the side effects you may experience. If you experience a severe side effect or one not listed here, please contact your health care professional.
SURGERY
If a joint is badly damaged by inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis, sometimes joint replacement surgery is an option that your doctor may suggest.
CHECK YOUR SIGNS
Find out if your symptoms are a sign of psoriatic arthritis in just 3-5 minutes
DOWNLOAD YOUR REPORT
Get a printable health analysis
CONSULT A DOCTOR
Discuss your symptoms right now or visit medimap.ca to find a clinic