How do I protect my joints from damage?
To safeguard your joints from harm, it’s crucial to manage any inflammation within them, as well as in the surrounding tendons, ligaments, and their attachment points on the bones.
Lowering inflammation can be achieved through an anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, prioritizing high-quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and adhering to your prescribed medication regimen.
In cases where your joints are experiencing inflammation, it’s advisable to limit their use until the swelling decreases. Engaging in gentle exercise and ensuring your joints move through their full range of motion helps preserve their functionality. Additionally, consulting with an occupational or physical therapist may provide further assistance.
My treatment is no longer effective. What should I do?
In the event that your current treatment ceases to be effective, schedule a consultation with your physician to reassess the medications you’ve been using, their efficacy, and the progression and intensity of your condition.
It’s also beneficial to explore new treatment possibilities, discuss the various types of medications available along with their potential side effects. Together with your doctor, you can consider insurance coverage and personal expenses to identify the most suitable treatment approach. Assessing your diet, sources of stress, recent illnesses, and physical activity levels can also reveal additional treatment options.
For psoriatic arthritis (PsA), there are numerous FDA-approved medications. These medications are classified based on how they target specific immune pathways.
Oral treatments can be categorized into disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), janus kinase inhibitors, or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. The initial biologic treatments typically used are TNF-blockers, with five different options available. Other treatments that inhibit various immune pathways include interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors, IL-12 and IL-23 inhibitors, and T-cell modulators.
Is there a way to avoid flare-ups?
Maintain a concise log of your flare-ups, noting the contributing factors, and look for recurring patterns. Some potential triggers include specific foods, heightened stress levels, or infections. At times, flare-ups may occur without any apparent cause.
In the event of a flare-up, prioritize rest and self-care. Promptly addressing flare-ups can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood of damage.
Consult with your physician about the possibility of adjusting or changing your medication regimen. In some cases, your doctor may suggest administering a steroid injection directly into the affected joint.
How will a rheumatologist track my psoriatic arthritis (PsA)?
Your rheumatologist will typically monitor your PsA through laboratory tests such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test and the C-reactive protein test.
If you have a coexisting condition like diabetes or liver disease, additional tests for glucose levels and liver function may be required. For those on particular medications, drug-specific testing might be necessary. Routine tests include a complete blood count (CBC) and a renal function test (serum creatinine).
Your doctor might also recommend an ultrasound to check for inflammation in a joint, finger, or toe. One benefit of ultrasound is the absence of radiation exposure, unlike X-rays, and it can usually be performed at your doctor’s office.
What options are available for topical treatment?
Topical treatments, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be effective for isolated joint pain. Over-the-counter options often include formulations akin to aspirin. Prescription-strength topical treatments typically contain the NSAID diclofenac.
For those with concurrent PsA and psoriasis, numerous topical solutions can be considered.
Are there injectable treatments available?
Local steroid injections can provide substantial relief for inflammation in specific joints or tendons.
Biologics are another injectable option for PsA treatment your doctor might suggest. These are generally administered by the patients themselves via self-injection. Less frequently, a biologic might be given through an intravenous treatment at the doctor’s office or an infusion center.
How soon can I expect results from my treatment?
The full benefits of a new treatment may not manifest for up to three months. However, based on my professional observations, patients often report improvement within a few weeks—sometimes even after just one biologic injection.
At the commencement of new treatments, it could be necessary to adjust medication dosages or introduce an additional medication before improvements are noticeable.
My symptoms are drastically affecting my daily life. What steps can I take?
Firstly, confirm that your current treatment plan is maximized for effectiveness. Additionally, engaging with a physical or occupational therapist could prove beneficial.
Occupational therapists can assess your work-related tasks, everyday living activities, and leisure pursuits. They can offer tailored advice to enhance your symptom management and functional capacity. In certain cases, they might also suggest taking a break from work, whether for a vacation or on disability leave.