Psoriatic Arthritis
What are the treatments for the disease?
Much of the joint damage may appear in the beginning stages of the disease. For this reason, early treatment of psoriatic arthritis may be critical.
Following are medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis:
immunosuppressant medications, which alter the body's immune response.
Methotrexate, a medication also used as cancer chemotherapy, is commonly used to treat psoriatic
arthritis. Other immunosuppressant medications include azathioprine and
cyclophosphamide.
anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen
COX-2 specific inhibitor NSAIDs, such as celecoxib and rofecoxib
corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which are taken orally or by injection into the
joint
antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline
disease-modifiying medications, such as sulfasalazine and
hydroxychloroquine. These medications help to slow down the joint destruction associated with the disease.
Other treatments for psoriatic arthritis may include:
education about the course of the disease and methods to preserve joint
function
physical therapy to help maintain joint strength and range of
motion
occupational therapy to learn energy conservation techniques
reduction of stress
splints to rest acutely inflamed joints
assistive devices, such as zipper pulls, to decrease strain on joints
healthy diet following the food
guide pyramid, with adequate calories, protein, and
calcium
Exercise is important in the treatment of arthritis. Thirty minutes of moderate
exercise a day can help to prevent complications of arthritis, as well as
heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A person exercising at a moderate level can talk
normally without shortness of breath and is comfortable with the pace of the
activity. The 30 minutes a day can be done in one session, or it can be broken up
into smaller segments. Low impact aerobics and water aerobics are examples of exercises that minimize
joint stress.
Surgery may be performed when pain cannot be controlled or function is lost.
Common procedures include the following:
arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a small scope and instruments to
get inside the joint without opening it
arthrotomy, which involves opening the joint through a larger
incision
synovectomy, which is the removal of the lining of the joint
osteotomy, which refers to the realignment of the bone next to the
joint
arthroplasty, which is the partial or total replacement of the joint.
Individuals with severe arthritis are often candidates for a knee joint replacement or a
hip joint replacement.
There has been a great deal of interest lately in the use of glucosamine and
chondroitin, dietary supplements that may decrease joint pain associated with arthritis. A large
scale study is currently being conducted by the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal Disease to determine the effectiveness of these
supplements.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis may cause stomach upset,
allergic reaction, decreased
resistance to infection, and other side effects. Surgery may cause bleeding,
infection, or allergic
reaction to
anesthesia. Nearby bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, or blood
vessels can also be accidentally injured.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is lifelong. There is no cure
for the disease, but careful management can help to minimize some of its
effects. Periodic flare-ups of the disease are common.
How is the disease monitored?
A healthcare provider will monitor the person's level of comfort and function
of the joint. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the
healthcare provider.
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