Facts About Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States. Determining the appropriate treatment can be a complicated matter because there are several types of arthritis, and consequently several types of psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and several prescription drugs, help to decrease inflammation and reduce joint pain. Certain NSAIDs can cause serious stomach problems in some patients, depending on dosage and length of treatment. Certain NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors were developed to minimize stomach discomfort, but they are more expensive than other NSAIDs and have certain significant risks of their own. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are meant to slow joint damage, and to slow or halt the progression of the disease. Biologics, one type of DMARDs, target specific internal biological conditions that cause psoriatic arthritis.

Several systemic drugs can also be used to treat arthritis. Some immunosuppressive drugs meant for treating psoriasis provide some relief for psoriatic arthritis sufferers, but they sometimes pose risks of liver damage. Retinoids used to treat severe psoriasis may also help some people with this type of arthritis, though they carry some potentially severe risks with long-term use, including birth defects. Sulfasalazine, a sulfa drug used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, is sometimes effective for psoriatic patients, but it also bears several possible side effects.

Other alternative forms of treatment have been reported to relieve some symptoms. Some dietary supplements have reportedly helped some patients. Physical therapy and exercise has proven to be a useful way to maintain strength and range of motion with minimal joint damage. Some patients have also found that stress reduction, dietary changes, and therapeutic massage have helped with symptom relief and disease management.

Determining the appropriate psoriatic arthritis treatment for any given patient requires careful consultation with a physician. There are many potential sources of relief for arthritis sufferers, but they each carry certain risks and side effects. It is important to consider the specific needs of the individual patient when determining a course of treatment for this complicated disease.