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Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and skin, and it requires ongoing management. Lifestyle changes can lessen the severity of symptoms. Understanding the condition is the first step toward effective management and symptom relief. Here is more information on the condition and the diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips that help manage it:
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales, and some people develop arthritis years after the skin condition appears. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling can affect any part of the body. The severity of the disease ranges from mild to severe, and symptoms may come and go in periods known as flares and remission.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis remains unknown, but it involves the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissue. Genetic factors may play a role, so people with a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis are more likely to develop the disease. Specific genetic mutations have been identified in patients, although that doesn’t guarantee causation.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary from person to person, and they range from mild to severe. Common signs include swollen fingers and toes, foot pain, and lower back pain. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are typical, often affecting the joints on one or both sides of the body.
Nail changes are another symptom of this condition. Patients may notice tiny dents in their nails, or the nails crumble or separate from the nail bed. Fatigue is a nonspecific symptom, and it may be caused by systemic inflammation associated with the disease.
How Can You Manage Symptoms?
Diet plays a role in managing inflammation levels in the body. An anti-inflammatory diet includes foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and olive oil, and processed foods and sugary drinks should be limited. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, and it can improve the effectiveness of medications.
Regular physical activity helps keep joints flexible and muscles strong. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling are beneficial because they provide a workout without putting excessive strain on the joints. Rest is also beneficial, and balancing activity with periods of rest helps prevent fatigue and symptom flares.
Lifestyle adjustments can further assist in symptom management. Mindfulness techniques like meditation are useful, and reducing tension helps prevent arthritis flares. Consulting a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, helps with diagnosis and treatment.
How Is Professional Guidance Beneficial?
Consulting a rheumatologist is beneficial for establishing a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat arthritis, and they prescribe medications to slow the disease’s progression. This intervention helps prevent permanent damage to joints and other tissues. They monitor disease activity through regular exams and lab tests, and they adjust therapies to achieve appropriate disease control.
Manage Your Arthritis Now
Managing psoriatic arthritis requires a multifaceted approach, and this includes medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. By understanding the condition and implementing dietary and exercise changes, patients can control their symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
