Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition which leads to inflammation of the joints. This type of arthritis mostly ensues after one has developed psoriasis. Some of its primary signs and symptoms are swelling and pain in the joints accompanied by stiffness, inflamed skin patches, pitted nails, vision issues, and tiredness. To deal with the discomfort caused by psoriasis doctors can prescribe a combination of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants, and TNF-alpha inhibitors. In severe psoriatic arthritis cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections and joint replacement surgery. Likewise, several new treatments for psoriatic arthritis are in progress which will be available to the patients, if proven to be effective.

Along with medical care, psoriatic arthritis can be managed well with the help of alternative treatments, home remedies, and dietary changes. However, for the right self-management initiatives, one has to first understand the causes and triggers of this chronic disease. To know more, read further.

What are the causes of psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells. At the moment, researchers haven’t determined the exact reason for such abnormal behavior of the immune system. However, conjectures revolve around genetic and environmental influences. The following factors can amplify the risk of one developing psoriatic arthritis.

• Age – It is mostly observed in individuals aged between 30 and 50 years.
• Psoriasis – People already suffering from psoriasis will most likely suffer from psoriatic arthritis.
• Family history – Children of individuals with psoriatic arthritis have a strong possibility of developing this chronic disease in the future.

What are the different kinds of psoriatic arthritis triggers?
The psoriatic signs and symptoms come and go on their own. These flare-ups might be a result of specific triggers. Triggers of psoriatic arthritis vary across patients. It is important to identify the triggers to achieve long periods of remission. Here are some of the common triggers of this autoimmune disease.

• Prolonged stress
• Skin wounds
• Infections
• Cold climate
• Excessive smoking or drinking
• Certain types of prescription medications

What are some lifestyle changes recommended for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms?
To alleviate severe psoriatic arthritis symptoms, one can use the following lifestyle tips.

• Nurture your joints – Even regular physical tasks can add pressure to joints. Therefore, one needs to remember to be gentle on their body. For instance, lifting things with both the hands or using the entire body weight for a task instead of just straining their fingers or legs can help to a great extent.
• Maintaining the right body weight – Excess weight can place tension on the joints and magnify the inflammation and pain. This can affect the mobility in the long run. Working towards an ideal body weight will ensure fewer flare-ups, increasing the overall resistance to psoriatic arthritis.
• Low-intensity exercises – Regularly working out will strengthen the joints and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis patients should try low-intensity workouts like swimming, brisk walking, and biking to keep strain at bay.

What foods to eat and avoid with psoriatic arthritis?

Foods to include in your diet

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, and herring
• Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, collard greens, beet greens and Swiss chard
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Different types of herbs and spices
• Yogurt
• Olive oil
• Fresh fruits

Foods to avoid

• Full-fat dairy products
• Processed meat such as sausages and bacon
• Packaged foods like cookies, candies, bread, and cakes
• White rice
• Fried foods
• Sodas
• Alcohol

Are there any new treatments for psoriatic arthritis?
Recently two new medications, a biologic and targeted DMARD for plaque psoriasis have been introduced in the market. These are useful for patients dealing with psoriatic arthritis as well. Currently, other new treatments for psoriatic arthritis prevails in the form of clinical trials. Patients can be a part of clinical trials to test new treatments for psoriatic arthritis. However, since clinical trials can be hit-or-miss, it is suggested to seek the counsel of the doctor before partaking in such research.

To ease psoriatic arthritis, one can try some home remedies involving the use Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, turmeric, oats, fish oil, and ginger. Alternative treatments such as massage, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy also improve the symptoms. Although, these may not work on every patient. It is imperative for every patient to seek proper medical care and then resort to the use of self-management solutions. Under no circumstance should a person self-diagnose by reading up information or looking at psoriatic arthritis pictures online and attempt dubious home treatments.

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