Psoriatic Arthritis

Amongst the many diseases affecting the body, Psoriatic Arthritis is one that can cause pain and discomfort for the sufferer. However, if treated correctly, it can be managed.

Physical examinations

During a physical examination, your doctor will examine you for signs of psoriatic arthritis. He or she will look at your nails, skin, and joints. He or she will also test for other conditions that might cause joint pain. These tests can help rule out other diseases.

Some tests can also identify inflammation in the body. One test is called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which measures how quickly the blood clears away inflammation. If the ESR is high, it may indicate that you have psoriatic arthritis.

Other tests include x-rays and MRI. These imaging tests use a strong magnetic field to produce images. They may be done multiple times a year. These tests can help your rheumatologist determine whether your condition is psoriatic arthritis or another form of arthritis.

Blood tests

Having blood tests for psoriatic arthritis will help you rule out other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and can help you get a better understanding of your symptoms. A rheumatologist can also perform a physical exam, and may order imaging tests. These tests can pinpoint the severity of inflammation in the joints and tendons, and can identify ligamentous, enthesitis, and tendinitis problems.

If you have psoriatic arthritis, your doctor will want to take a detailed medical history, including any signs of psoriasis. This helps your provider know more about your condition, and can help you avoid joint damage in the long run.

There are a number of diagnostic blood tests, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. This measures the amount of red blood cells in the blood. When inflammation occurs, the ESR rate is higher. A healthy person’s rate is 0 to 22 mm per hour.

DMARDs

DMARDs for Psoriatic Arthritis work by slowing down the immune system and reducing inflammation. Common DMARDs for this condition include methotrexate, leflunomide and sulfasalazine. They are often used in conjunction with other medications to treat this disease. They are usually administered by intravenous infusion, but can also be taken as a daily oral tablet.

In 2009, 73% of patients who began bDMARDs for psoriatic arthritis received tenth authority approval. The number of new patients initiating therapy has increased steadily since 2007, from 550 to almost 1,000. However, the number of patients continuing to be treated shows no signs of stabilising. Among the patients who did start bDMARDs in 2009, only 0.6% discontinued treatment. This higher rate of retention might be due to an inflexible PBS restriction.

DMARDs for Psoriatic arthritis are meant to help reduce the inflammation and improve the symptoms. However, these treatments can cause side effects such as nausea and headaches. They can also affect the heart, liver and nervous system. They are not recommended for people with active infections.

Biological medicine

Biological medicine for psoriatic arthritis is an effective way to slow the progression of the disease and to relieve symptoms. These medicines target specific parts of the immune system. In particular, they block the action of T-cells, which trigger inflammation and damage the joints. The result is improved symptoms, slower disease progression and a more improved quality of life.

Biological medicines may be used by themselves, or in combination with other medications for psoriatic arthritis. However, before you take any biologics, be sure to consult your doctor. He or she will need to know your health history and your lifestyle.

Biological medicines are a relatively new type of treatment for psoriatic arthritis. They are usually recommended for three months. Then, if the medication is effective, it can be continued. If not, you may need to try another drug.

Treatment options

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment options for psoriatic arthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic agents. Patients may also undergo physical or occupational therapy to strengthen and maintain the function of their joints.

NSAIDs reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling of affected joints. These medications are available in over the counter and prescription forms. Some people also find relief by applying them directly to their skin. However, it’s important to avoid taking NSAIDs with alcohol and milk. Some of these medications can cause diarrhea, mouth sores and stomach upset.

In addition to these medicines, DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are often used to treat psoriatic arthritis. These medicines can help slow down the progression of the disease and prevent permanent joint damage. These medications can also help decrease the risk of infection.