4 ways to ease psoriatic arthritis and its symptoms

4 ways to ease psoriatic arthritis and its symptoms

Nearly thirty percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis later in life. While the former targets the skin, the latter causes the immune system to affect the joints. Both are autoimmune disorders. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can often be debilitating. There is no definitive cure for psoriatic arthritis. However, here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle tips that can help manage the symptoms:

Clinical treatment options
While psoriatic arthritis can be managed by making changes in nutrition and home remedies, it is crucial to be aware of clinical options too. This is because natural remedies may not provide immediate relief from worsening symptoms as compared to the clinical treatment options.

Otezla®
Inflammation is one of the significant and most problematic symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, which can make performing daily tasks difficult. This oral treatment option can help manage symptoms like joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. One of the advantages of using Otezla® is that it does not require initial or routine blood tests.

Rinvoq®
It is yet another treatment option used for managing various types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. It helps effectively manage symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis and also protects from irreversible joint damage. Apart from this, Rinvoq® has also been observed to provide relief from skin plaques.

Foods to eat

Salmon
Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is highly beneficial for those with inflammatory disorders like psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, salmon and other fatty fish such as albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, and lake trout can help to protect against heart diseases. It is recommended to include fatty fish in the meal plans at least twice a week to keep inflammation at bay.

Whole grains
This includes brown and wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, bulgur wheat, and barley. These are packed with fiber and are helpful in maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels tend to cause inflammation of the blood vessel wall. This can trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms. An average daily intake of 30 grams of whole wheat can benefit those with psoriatic arthritis.

Garlic
It contains high levels of phytonutrients, which are potent inflammation-fighting nutrients. Garlic can be easily added to soups, curries, as well as salads. Raw as well as roasted garlic also helps to keep the immune system strong along with fighting inflammation. Powdered or packaged forms can deplete the nutrients, hence make sure you use fresh garlic.

Foods to avoid

Fatty red meat
Fatty red meat is one of the worse foods that trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Overconsumption of such food can lead to an increase in BMI, leading to inflammation flare-up. In addition, it can lower the effectiveness of prescribed treatment options and hinder the recovery process.

Eggplant
Nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes have been known to trigger inflammation in some people. A regular intake of these foods can aggravate symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This is because these vegetables contain solanine, a chemical that may trigger inflammation. However, eggplants, and other vegetables do not trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms in everyone. A process of elimination can help determine if a person’s psoriatic arthritis is affected by the intake of certain vegetables.

Soda
Soda and other carbonated drinks are infused with high amounts of processed sugar. Intake of artificial sugar can lead to elevated levels of insulin in the body, which can easily trigger inflammation and aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Tips for managing psoriatic arthritis

Moisturize the skin daily
One of the prominent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is itchy, dry, and flaky skin, especially near the joints. Hence, doctors suggest applying creams, moisturizers, and emollients to prevent the same. Specific creams for treating psoriasis contain ingredients like coal tar and salicylic acid that can effectively treat dry and flaky skin. However, ensure that the moisturizers used do not cause any underlying conditions that might aggravate the condition.

Use aloe vera
Aloe vera has been long used for several autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that not only treat skin wounds but also calm itchy and inflamed skin caused due to psoriatic arthritis. Aloe vera is one of the main ingredients in many topical creams. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor to use the same as some people are allergic to other components present in the plant that may aggravate other underlying health conditions which might worsen psoriatic arthritis.

Drink more water
Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin. While it is recommended to drink eight glasses of water every day for hydration, the required quantity is different for everyone depending on the climatic condition of the location. For instance, people living in humid areas may require less water as compared to the ones living in hot and dry areas. However, it is crucial to maintain hydration as it can reduce the risk of joint inflammation and stiffness.

Psoriatic arthritis is a serious health disease. With the required treatment option, changes in meal plans and lifestyle can help ease the discomfort of the condition’s effect to a great extent. Make sure you consult a doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms of the disorder.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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4 alternative methods for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is quite a painful inflammatory condition, generally classified by the presence of stiffness, soreness, and pain in the hands, wrists, and feet. With the help of treatments, one can alleviate physical stress, reduce inflammation, and keep complications under control. Today, we'll be discussing the various prescription options, foods that patients should include and avoid on a regular basis, and some management tips that can prove effective for relief: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to provide quick action against rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: ACTEMRA® This treatment for rheumatoid arthritis contains tocilizumab and is effective for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The mode of action is based on the blockage of the IL-6 compound that causes inflammation in the body. Actemra® injections can be used as a weekly treatment. On the other hand, the IV infusion is used once every month or as prescribed by the doctor. Planquenil® Planquenil® is a prescription option used for addressing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The primary component is hydrocholoquine, which is sometimes even on its own for certain conditions. Common side effects of Planquenil® include headache, vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Foods to eat and avoid Here are some foods to include in a rheumatoid arthritis meal plan: Beans Beans help lower inflammation by loading up protein, fiber, and phytonutrient levels in the body. The CRP compounds found in the blood, which are mainly responsible for joint pain and swelling, are also reduced. Three of the best antioxidant-rich beans are small red, red kidney, and pinto. Fatty fish Omega-3 is an essential compound required by the body to function optimally, and these fish are packed with it. Research suggests that patients who included a serving of fatty fish in their regular meals had lower levels of inflammatory proteins because of the interleukin-6 compound. Therefore, the inclusion of salmon, tuna, sardines, scallops, herring, and anchovies is considered beneficial. Fruits and vegetables Foods that contain a high concentration of antioxidants are helpful in preventing arthritis flare-ups, like green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Additionally, the abundance of vitamin K in foods like spinach, kale, cabbage, and broccoli is useful in reducing inflammation. Grapefruit, lime, and orange provide the body with antioxidants and vitamin C that keep the joints healthy. Nuts and seeds Monounsaturated fatty acids can be found in large amounts in pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and more. These nuts and seeds play a significant role in lowering the inflammation levels of the body. A high nutritious value in these foods is due to their fiber and protein content. However, since they are also rich in fats, the recommended intake of nuts and seeds is only one ounce a day. Those with rheumatoid arthritis need to stay away from these foods: Fried foods Eliminating frozen and fried foods is a highly recommended step for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Fried meat and other fast foods are high in trans and saturated fats. Limiting these highly processed foods helps better manage arthritis symptoms. In addition to triggering arthritis symptoms, foods in this class increase the patient's blood pressure and cholesterol. Sugary and refined foods Having foods high in sugar every day can lead to increased cytokines. And high cytokine levels give rise to greater inflammation in the body. This fact calls for the avoidance of baked goods like cakes, pastries, and bread. Those with rheumatoid arthritis need to avoid foods with high corn syrup, fructose syrup, and sugary drinks like packaged juices and sodas. Food cooked in vegetable oil Vegetable oils are rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids. And too much of this compound can cause joint inflammation and swollen regions in the body. Limiting the intake of foods made with vegetable oils like corn, safflower, and sunflower oil can prevent the added inflammation and the resultant pain from triggering. Lifestyle changes Taking certain self-care measures often helps improve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. When coupled with doctor-prescribed treatment options, these lifestyle changes will help provide better and long-lasting results: Temperature treatment Using alternating temperatures is an effective way of pain management often prescribed by doctors and health care professionals. High temperature can help relax the muscles and reduce joint pain, which can be quite handy when dealing with flare-ups. Alternatively, cold temperature treatment can be employed to reduce the sensation of pain and muscle spasms with its numbing effect. Regular exercise Following a disciplined routine with regular exercise can improve quality of life and bring numerous health benefits. Then muscles are strengthened when doctor-advised exercise and workouts are added to the routine. Such a habit also improves energy and reduces fatigue. Stress reduction Meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness practices, and breathing techniques may help with pain management. Practicing such methods of stress reduction can be used to combat the pain brought on by rheumatoid arthritis by regulating stress levels. Acupressure and acupuncture Traditional alternative treatment options like acupressure and acupuncture have been functional in pain management. The former involves applying mild to moderate pressure to certain parts of the body that help relieve pain. Alternately, acupuncture is the technique in which small needles puncture into the patient's body for relief from symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and stress.

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