While there’s no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are steps you can take to control one of the hallmark symptoms: chronic joint pain.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system misidentifies healthy cells in the body as foreign invaders and attacks them. This causes inflammation and swelling within the joints, leading to symptoms like chronic joint pain and stiffness. With psoriatic arthritis, these symptoms often affect the smaller joints in the fingers, wrists, toes, and ankles, as well as the knees and lower back.
While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, treatment is often the first line of defense to help relieve symptoms, prevent progression, and improve quality of life. “The use of disease-modifying and targeted therapies can be the best route to relief of joint pain when joint inflammation occurs,” explains Susan M. Goodman, MD, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
There are a variety of treatments for psoriatic arthritis to choose from, and options have evolved through the years. According to Dr. Goodman, recent advances in psoriatic arthritis medication and targeted therapies now offer more expanded choices than ever before.
In addition to taking your psoriatic arthritis treatment, adding these steps to your overall management plan can help you find relief for symptoms like chronic joint pain. Start with these six expert-approved strategies.
1. Use Heat and Cold Therapies
Heat and cold therapies are both easy and inexpensive ways to help relieve joint pain and can be used at home or at work.
“Heat and cold provide symptom relief,” says Goodman, “and cold therapy can help you cool down after exercise, which may make sticking to an exercise regimen easier.” This is an important consideration, as staying active can help you manage psoriatic arthritis.
Cold therapy, such as an ice pack or ice bath, restricts blood vessels and can help dull nerve sensations that contribute to joint pain and help reduce inflammation and swelling. In a pinch, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables on aching joints.
Heat therapy, such as a heating pad or hot bath, helps increase circulation throughout your body. This allows the blood to flow more freely to your joints and surrounding muscles, loosening them up. Heat therapy is especially helpful for stiff joints.
2. Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Exercising regularly can be one of the best ways to manage chronic joint pain related to psoriatic arthritis. A study published in November 2017 in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that a regular exercise regimen reduced pain and improved physical function in people living with psoriatic arthritis.
Regular exercise can also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, which is important for managing chronic joint pain. Carrying extra pounds can tax the joints, particularly in the knees and hips.
Depending on the severity of your condition, certain exercises may be better suited for you. For example, if you experience pain in your toe, ankle, or knee joints, water aerobics is a great activity to try that doesn’t put stress or pressure on these joints. Daily stretching and range-of-motion exercises may also be beneficial.
Meet with a physical therapist, who can tailor an exercise routine to your needs. “For instance, if you’ve lost range of motion in your shoulder, a physical therapist can help design a regimen to help you regain that,” explains Goodman. “For those with low back inflammation, a core-strengthening regimen can be very useful in maintaining symptom control and mobility.”
Just make sure take it slow, and don’t overdo it. “While joint inflammation is active, rigorous exercise can increase pain,” says Goodman. “I advise people who have psoriatic arthritis to trust their bodies when they work out, and if an exercise is painful or uncomfortable, don’t do it.”