Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage, while also improving function and quality of life.
The main types of medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These can slow down the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage. Common DMARDs used to treat psoriatic arthritis include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide.
- Biologic agents: These are a newer class of drugs that target specific parts of the immune system. Biologics such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, and interleukin-12/23 inhibitors can be effective in treating psoriatic arthritis.
- Corticosteroids: These can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in severe cases. They are usually used for short-term treatment.
Physical therapy and exercise can also be helpful in managing psoriatic arthritis. A physical therapist can develop an exercise program that is tailored to your specific needs and can help you maintain or improve joint function.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress can also be beneficial.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for you. The treatment plan may need to be adjusted over time as the disease progresses and your response to treatment changes.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 1/27/2023