Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis as of now, hence treatments focus on controlling the inflammation in our affected joints for prevention of joint pain& disability.  Psoriatic Arthritis can be defined as a form of arthritis that affects some people who have the skin condition psoriasis.

Medications for Psoriatic Arthritis

The drugs that are used for treating psoriatic arthritis are:

• NSAIDs– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs may relieve pain & reduce the inflammation. Over-the-counter or OTC NSAIDs comprise ibuprofen & naproxen sodium. Stronger NSAIDs are also available by prescription. The side effects could include irritation in the stomach, cardiac problems & damage to liver & kidneys.
• DMARDs– Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs could curb the progress of psoriatic arthritis & save our joints & other tissues from a permanent damage. Common DMARDs comprise methotrexate & sulfasalazine. The side effects do vary, however, could include liver damage, suppression of bone marrow & severe lung infection, too.
• Immunosuppressants– These medicines act to tame our immune system, which is not in control of psoriatic arthritis. Examples are azathioprine & cyclosporine. These medicines could raise our susceptibility to the infection.
• TNF-alpha inhibitors– Tumor necrosis factor-alpha or TNF-alpha is an inflammatory element made by our body. TNF-alpha inhibitors could assist in reducing pain, tender or swollen joints, and morning stiffness. Examples include infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab, and golimumab. The side effects could be nausea, hair loss, diarrhea & increased risk of a serious infection.
• New medicines– Some newly developed medicines for plaque psoriasis may also diminish the signs & symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Examples include ustekinumab, apremilast & secukinumab.

Surgical & Other Procedures for Psoriatic Arthritis

The surgical & other procedures for Psoriatic arthritis are:

• Steroid injections– This kind of medicine diminishes the inflammation quickly & is sometimes injected to the affected joint
• Joint replacement surgery– Joints which are severely damaged due to psoriatic arthritis could also be replaced with an artificial prosthesis which is made up of metal & plastic.

Besides the above, there are also some lifestyle changes which our doctors can suggest. Do consult a doctor as soon as you have a swelling along with psoriasis.