3. Nail Pitting
One of the most prevalent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is nail pitting. Pits are small, superficial depressions in the nail plate that are connected to proximal nail matrix inflammation.
Discolorations, dents, and thickness are a few additional signs of nail alterations. There may be a few or many on each nail, and one or more nails may be afflicted.
Salmon patches, also known as oil drops, are tiny, yellow-pink spots that typically only appear on the nail bed in sufferers of psoriatic arthritis.
Those who have psoriatic arthritis frequently notice changes in their nails. In fact, according to a study, 80% of psoriatic arthritis patients have problems related to their nails.
2. Sausage-Like Fingers Or Toes
An estimated 39% of persons with psoriatic arthritis also develop dactylitis, according to a study published in the journal Open Access Rheumatology.
Painful swelling of the fingers and toes is known as dactylitis. The term “dactylos,” which means “finger” in Greek, is where the name originates.
One of the unmistakable signs of psoriatic arthritis is dactylitis. The swelling in the impacted fingers and toes has earned it the moniker “sausage digits.”
Before being diagnosed with arthritis, more than half of the participants with dactylitis experienced their first flare-up. Dactylitis may be the only sign of psoriatic arthritis in some people for months or even years.
1. Eye Problems
According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies have shown that the same inflammation that psoriatic arthritis patients experience in their joints can also harm other body parts, including the eyes.
Dry eyes and eye pain are a few of the frequent side effects of psoriatic arthritis.
Uveitis, an inflammation of the central layer of the eye, is a less common psoriatic eye ailment that, if untreated, can result in irreversible eye damage and vision loss.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, uveitis affects about 7% of people with psoriatic arthritis.
Eye pain, inflamed eyes, floaters (seeing specks or shadows), fuzzy vision, and light sensitivity are all signs of uveitis.
Treatments And Care
Physical therapy and occupational therapy may be used to relieve symptoms. Physical therapy may include stretching and exercises, body adjustments, hot and cold therapy, and assistive devices.
Massage and acupuncture can also be used to reduce pain and stiffness. Some patients may even experience remission or complete remission.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may disappear completely, but self-care is essential. If left untreated, the disease can lead to permanent disability.
A blood test called HLA-B27 can help diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Patients with a family history of psoriatic arthritis can also be diagnosed with serum markers.
Treatment options for psoriatic arthritis are aimed at reducing pain, preventing deformities, and allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle. These treatments will help a person with psoriatic arthritis remain active and live a normal life.
Since the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, diagnosis of the condition can be difficult. To make matters worse, the cause of psoriatic arthritis is still not known since it is an autoimmunity disorder.
Nonetheless, early diagnosis is critical to avoid the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis can also help determine the right treatment for the condition.
Here are the various psoriatic arthritis treatments and reliefs that you should know about.
16. Diet
People who suffer from psoriatic arthritis should eat a variety of foods that provide a wide range of nutrients. Additionally, they should eat regularly to overcome the fatigue that is commonly linked with the condition. Portion control is also necessary to prevent weight gain.
An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate the symptoms. This is a diet that consists of fish such as salmon and tuna. Spicing up your diet with turmeric, capsaicin, and ginger can also help ease inflammation.
15. Exercise
Exercise can help lessen stiffness, build stronger muscles, and maintain joint mobility. It can also help to maintain a healthy weight, minimizing the risk of serious health conditions that are associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Regular walking, biking, and swimming are popular exercises for patients with psoriatic arthritis. These low-impact exercises can help lessen the onset of flares. However, it’s best to get with your doctor first to see which type of exercise is best suited for your condition.
14. Quitting Smoking
Nicotine increases cytokine release in the body, which can produce inflammatory signals in the body. This induces oxidative stress, damaging cell tissues. It also causes the body to produce free radicals that can only worsen the condition. The immune system ends up working overtime.
Quitting smoking can lessen the stress on the immune system. It will alleviate the condition. Nonetheless, quitting smoking is beneficial to your health no matter what your condition is.
13. Relaxation
Relaxation has a positive emotional effect on the patient with psoriatic arthritis. For starters, it can help lessen the pain that comes with psoriatic arthritis. As the body relaxes, tight muscles are loosened and stiffness disappears.
Although it’s easier said than done, relaxation can help lessen the onset of flare-ups brought about by stress. It also lessens the chances of your skin getting worse.
12. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that not only helps the body relax but can also help change the perception of pain. Through this practice, the patient is more aware of his or her body. It alters the way the brain perceives and responds to pain.
The patient focuses less on the pain but on the whole body instead. Regular practice can help lessen the production of proteins that increase inflammation.
11. Quality Sleep
Lack of quality sleep can lead to weight gain, which in turn can add more stress on the joints. Even worse, disrupted sleep may even hasten inflammation. Not getting enough sleep can only worsen the pain in the joints.
Getting enough hours of sleep and waking up at a regular time can enhance the quality of sleep. Making sure that the environment is conducive to sleep is also an important factor to consider.
(continued next page)