3 Key Points About The Most Effective Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis treatment has the goal of reducing pain, decreasing swelling, helping keep joint mobility and preventing further joint damage. The decision on the type of treatment used is usually made by the doctor based on the type of psoriatic arthritis (PA), how severe the condition is and the individual's reaction to treatment.

With appropriate early diagnosis and psoriatic arthritis treatment something can be done to slow down the disease and try to preserve the health of the joints. Severe forms of the disease may be characterized by an early young age onset, multiple joints being affected and the spine also involved. Adequate management of the skin part of the disease may be helpful in overall management of arthritis. There are some psoriatic arthritis treatments able to treat both psoriasis and the arthritis component.

Mild PA is generally localized and will only be present in one to two joints. An individual may experience long time periods with no symptoms. This type of arthritis usually causes less deformity and long term disability.

The individuals who have three or more affected joints may have a greater chance of joint destruction and disability. If this is not relieved by the normal PA treatment of anti-inflammatory drugs, stronger medication may be needed. Some cases need rehabilitation and surgery.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment for issues of joint pain, stiffness and inflammation are commonly combated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also known as NSAIDs, these come in over the counter forms like aspirin and ibuprofen but also prescription. Aspirin may assist in decreasing pain, swelling and stiffness. Both prescription and non-prescription NSAIDs can help with the pain, swelling and morning stiffness of PA. The use of these medications can help to lessen any restrictions of daily activity that are often the result of arthritis.

Using NSAIDs for a long time can result in stomach problems like ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is related to the strength of the medication and how long the user has been taking it. Some NSAIDs are referred to as COX-2 inhibitors and have been shown to result in less stomach problems than other types. They do cost a little more and are no more effective at treating the pain and inflammation, plus they have their own associated risks. If you think you could benefit talk to your doctor. Psoriatic arthritis treatment for more severe forms is usually handled by antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which are wanting to slow or stop joint and tissue damage and overall disease progression.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment also comes in the form of systemic medications that are prescription based. These are commonly only used for moderate or severe psoriasis and arthritis patients. These systemic medications are also handy for those that have been unresponsive or unable to do topical medications or UV light therapy. Commonly these drugs are in the form of liquid or pill orals and injection.