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Psoriatic arthritis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Arthritis - psoriatic

Treatment

OVERVIEW:
Treatment of psoriatic arthritis involves medication, patient education, and physical and occupational therapy.

MEDICATIONS:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) or salicylates are used to reduce the pain and inflammation of the joints. More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS). Occasionally, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications. Psoriasis treatment is usually continued or started.

SURGERY:
Rarely, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints will be performed.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:
Rest and exercise. To increase mobility, physical therapy provides exercise programs for specific joints. Heat and cold applications, or hydrotherapy may also be used.

Prognosis

The course of the disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. In those with severe arthritis, treatment is usually very successful in alleviating the pain.

Complications

Repeated episodes may occur.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms develop along with psoriasis.

Ency. home > Disease > P > Psoriatic arthritis

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