6 Effective Ways to Control Chronic Psoriatic Arthritis Joint Pain

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system misidentifies and attacks healthy cells in the body. This causes joint inflammation and swelling, resulting in symptoms such as chronic joint pain and stiffness. These symptoms of psoriatic arthritis frequently affect the smaller joints in the fingers, wrists, toes, and ankles, as well as the knees and lower back.

While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, treatment is frequently used to relieve symptoms, prevent progression, and improve your quality of life. When joint inflammation occurs, the use of disease-modifying and targeted therapies may be the best way to relieve joint pain.

There are numerous psoriatic arthritis treatments to choose from, and options have evolved over time. Recent advancements in psoriatic arthritis medication and targeted therapies provide more options than ever before.

Adding these steps to your overall management plan, in addition to taking your psoriatic arthritis treatment, can help you find relief from symptoms such as chronic joint pain. Begin with these six expert-recommended strategies.

1. Try heat and cold therapies

Heat and cold therapies are simple and inexpensive methods of relieving joint pain that can be used at home or at work.

Heat and cold relieve symptoms, and cold therapy can help you cool down after exercise, making it easier to stick to an exercise regimen. This is an important factor to consider because staying active can help you manage your psoriatic arthritis.

2. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

Regular exercise can be one of the most effective ways to manage chronic joint pain caused by psoriatic arthritis. Regular exercise can also assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for managing chronic joint pain. Carrying extra pounds can put a strain on the joints, leading to ankle pain and knee pain.

Certain exercises may be more appropriate for you depending on the severity of your condition. Water aerobics, for example, is a great activity to try if you have pain in your toe, ankle, or knee joints because it does not put stress or pressure on these joints. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises on a daily basis may also be beneficial.

3. Strengthen your muscles

When you think of exercise, you probably think of aerobic activities such as walking or dancing. Muscle strength, on the other hand, can help eliminate unnecessary stress and pressure from aching joints. The stronger your muscles are, the better they can support and protect your joints from swelling and injury.

4. Consider alternative therapies

Many people with psoriatic arthritis, anecdotally, have turned to complementary or alternative therapies to help with symptoms such as chronic joint pain, though evidence to support their benefits is lacking. As a result, you may need to try them to see if they help your symptoms. Experiment with massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and turmeric.

5. Get assistance

There are a variety of assistive devices available to help make life with psoriatic arthritis easier. Consider purchasing a can opener, step stools, braces or splints, and a disability license plate or placard.

6. Follow your treatment plan

This may seem obvious, but sticking to your treatment plan isn't always as simple as it appears. Many people overexert their joints, engage in lifestyle habits that aggravate their condition, forget to take their medications, or stop taking medications entirely.

Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble sticking to your psoriatic arthritis treatment. You and your doctor can work together to find a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

The role of a rheumatologist includes assisting you in vetting new information and determining which treatments have scientific support — and which do not.