|
||
If you suffer from psoriasis, then you are at risk for a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis is a term that is used to describe many conditions in which the joints in the body do not function as they should because of the body's immune system literally attacking that of the tissues in the joint. Although this condition is one that is specific to those that suffer from psoriasis, others can experience arthritic conditions as well. The good news is that there is help out there for those that do have to deal with the swelling and pain of arthritis.
Pain, Pain, Go Away
For those that experience any form of arthritis, including that of psoriatic arthritis, the hardest part of the condition is that of facing the pain. As mentioned, your body's white blood cells are attacking your joint's tissue which causes a build up of proteins to happen in those areas. When those proteins build up, pain is heightened any time that you try to move that joint. You may actually feel the pain come on more intensely after you have been sleeping or have been sitting still for a while. In any case, the pain is very real and is something that needs to be addressed.
Even more so, without any type of treatment, conditions of psoriatic arthritis, which only occurs in individuals that have psoriasis, will only worsen. If you do not get the help you need, the joints that are being attacked can actually become deformed, swollen and eventually may no longer be able to be used. There is help out there, though.
Treatment Options To Consider
Those that are experiencing pain in their joints need to work with their doctor to determine the best medications to help relieve the pain that they are feeling. The medications will work in a certain way. First, you will take medications that will stop the progress of the condition, something that is important for maintaining the quality of the joint for later life. In addition, the treatment options that you have will be employed to stop the pain that you are feeling.
There are additional treatments that can be helpful as well. Some find help from arthritic crèmes and ointments. Exercise plays an important role in the health and well being of the individual as well as stringing the joints and improving range of motion are quite important. Heat can help at times as well. Massage has been effective at reducing the amount of pain your experience as well.
As you can see, there is help available to those that are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Although the condition is not as debilitating as that of other forms of arthritis, it is still one that can range from mild to severe in pain and discomfort. Without the help of a doctor, you will not stop but encourage the arthritis to continue. Instead, working with your doctor can be the best route to getting the treatment that you need for this condition.
Psoriatic arthritis is actually a combination of two different medical conditions. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which causes a patchy rash. The affected area is usually inflamed and scaly. Arthritis is described as an inflammation of the joints and is also chronic. Both conditions are fairly common but psoriasis is predominant in the white population. Some people who develop psoriasis will go on to develop arthritis and this condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.
With certain types of arthritis the female is more prone to having the disease. With psoriatic arthritis both male and female are equally affected. Both conditions usually do not appear at the same time. The majority of the affected people normally develop psoriasis before they develop arthritis. Since both conditions are inflammatory, the condition can have an impact on many parts of the body such as the heart and other major organs. The spine is another place which is often affected by psoriatic arthritis. Currently there is no known cause or cure for this disease.
Many people who are diagnosed with this disease will experience acne, even at an advanced age. The acne is not limited to the face; it often causes other parts of the body to break out in an acne type rash. The nails may also develop ridges and pitting.
The arthritis may involve the knees, feet, hands, ankles, and the spine. People with psoriatic arthritis tend to have more spinal pain than other arthritis sufferers. Joints tend to swell and become stiff which causes moderate to severe pain. The pain and stiffness is most often worse during the morning hours after the patient has been in bed all night. For many people the pain and stiffness gets better as they get up and begin moving. Often a hot shower will also help relieve the joint stiffness.
Patients who are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis will often develop pain and inflammation in their tendons which makes it more difficult and painful to walk. Many times steroids may be used to reduce the inflammation.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause many other health problems such as lung inflammations and eye disease. People with this diagnosis who experience eye problems should immediately contact their physician since this condition could possibly lead to blindness. The same goes for the lungs. When inflammation is present in the lungs, people may experience difficulty with breathing, or they may develop chest pain. It is extremely important to get medical attention if any of these symptoms occur since they could possibly lead to death.
For further information check