Psoriatic ArthritisPsoriatic arthritis affects approximately 5-8% of those people who are already suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inherited skin condition which causes red, scaly rough areas on the knees, elbows, and neck. Often times the nails become pitted. People with psoriatic arthritis usually suffer morning joint stiffness, and the back is commonly affected by the disease. Finger and toe joints can become inflamed and swollen; giving toes and fingers the appearance of sausages. Although the most common symptom of this disease is swollen joints, there is usually less tenderness than with other forms of arthritis. This can progress into joint deformity without a significant amount of pain. A key to treatment is early detection and intervention. The disease may occur at any age, but most commonly first appears in men and women equally, between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. There is no cure for but it can be kept under control through the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) from your doctor. If the disease is unresponsive or too aggressive for NSAIDs, then methotrexate or sulfasalazine are another option. Some biologic medications, such as Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade are used for the treatment of the disease and have shown very good results in fighting the disease. Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis:There is no specific test for psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and family medical history. If psoriasis runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop this form of arthritis. Loss of motion in your back, neck, and hips is common. Diagnosis usually can’t be made unless you also have skin and nail involvement consistent with psoriasis. But sometimes people with psoriatic arthritis have nail lesions only, or such mild skin symptoms that they aren’t aware they have psoriasis.Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis:It’s always best to first consult with your physician before starting an exercise program. Besides drugs, exercise will help joint mobility and joint stiffness. Your doctor will know the amount of damage present in your joints, and can recommend exercises that will help your joints without causing too much strain, stress or further damage. Flexibility exercises, especially for the hips, spine, shoulders, and neck, are especially important for those suffering from this disease. It can cause a loss of motion in these areas of your body, so exercise will help you maintain your mobility. Good posture helps you retain good alignment and reduce pain during activity. Muscle strengthening exercises for your back and hip muscles are essential for maintaining erect posture.Because the disease can cause inflammation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, a shortening and thickening of tissue around joints can lead to loss of motion. That’s why it’s very important to do daily flexibility exercises. Gentle, slow, controlled movements with held positions are recommended. Do not bounce or jerk, as injury could result.Swimming is a great exercise that helps you strengthen large muscle groups-back, shoulders, hips-without putting stress on your joints. Use a snorkel and mask if you have neck pain. You won't have to turn your head to breathe.More info: DEATHS FROM PSORIASIS DRUG--(Feb.19,2009)The FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning the psoriasis drug Raptiva. Two users of the drug have been confirmed dead after suffering from a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)...(read more)
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