Psoriatic Arthritis

Although psoriatic arthritis can affect people of any age, it is most likely to develop between the ages of 30 and 50.

About four in 10 people with the condition have one or more family members with either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

People with a history of psoriasis are much more likely than others to develop psoriatic arthritis.

In some people, inflammation from certain infections can trigger psoriatic arthritis or another inflammatory condition.

High levels of stress may trigger an autoimmune condition, such as PsA, in people with a genetic predisposition.

Lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and live a full life with psoriatic arthritis. There are several things you can do at home to support your health and find relief from symptoms, including:

• Avoiding foods that increase inflammation, such as processed foods and sugar
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Learning new ways to manage day-to-day stress
• Participating in low-impact exercise, such as biking or swimming
• Quitting smoking
• Using heat or cold therapies with the guidance of your care team

Physical and occupational therapy can help reduce pain and other symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. A physical therapist can help you decrease discomfort and build flexibility and strength to support joint health and prevent injury. In occupational therapy, you can learn ways to conserve energy, decrease pain and protect your joints during everyday activities.

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but several medications are available to treat the condition and help you manage symptoms. The right medication for you will depend on the type of PsA you have, your symptoms and other health factors. You may need to try different medications to find one that works or use a combination of them.

• Biologics and targeted therapies: This group of medications interrupts specific immune signals to slow or stop inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroids help relieve inflammation. The injections deliver medication to the exact site of the pain and can often provide relief for several weeks.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are a group of medications that suppress the immune system to help prevent it from attacking healthy cells and tissue.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a group of medications that help lower the amount of inflammation in the body. Some NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications, and others require a prescription.
• Topical treatments: These medications are applied to the skin and may be used to treat a range of symptoms, including nail changes, pain or skin issues.

Surgery is not needed to treat most cases of psoriatic arthritis. Rarely, you may need joint repair or replacement surgery (arthroplasty) if you have significant joint damage. The type of procedure recommended will depend on your symptoms and which joint is affected.