Imagine pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, along with inflammation, peeling, and cracking of your skin. Not only do you look different in the mirror, but even everyday activities become a daunting challenge. This harsh reality shapes the lives of many people with psoriatic arthritis. A chronic, inflammatory disorder that hides in the shadow of a more common condition called psoriasis, silently targeting the bones and joints.
While psoriasis often appears on the surface of the skin as a scaly, itchy rash, the condition can also run deep and affect the joints. If you think psoriasis is just a skin problem, you're wrong. There's a strange, little-known connection between the skin and joints that's often overlooked until a person is dealing with persistent pain, chronic fatigue, and functional disability.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, one of the most complex forms of joint inflammation that occurs simultaneously with or after the appearance of psoriasis skin lesions. In some cases, it can affect the joints even before the skin symptoms appear. The concern is that late diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to irreversible joint damage and reduced quality of life.
Unlike many similar disorders, this disease does not manifest itself as simple pain or minor swelling. Imagine your fingers becoming “sausage-shaped” or your knees becoming so inflamed that even climbing a single step becomes impossible. Now imagine that this pain is not only physical, but also psychological, as with every glance at your hands or skin, the feeling of isolation and anxiety increases.
Additionally, treating psoriatic arthritis isn’t as simple as simply prescribing a topical ointment or painkiller. Treating the condition requires a multifaceted approach that targets both the skin and the joints. Biologics, TNF inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and even lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment puzzle. But without early diagnosis and referral to a psoriatic arthritis specialist, the start of treatment will be delayed and irreparable damage to the joints will occur.
For a comprehensive introduction to one of the most important chronic skin diseases that can also be a cause of psoriatic arthritis, it is recommended to read the article: What is the skin disease psoriasis? Learn about the symptoms, causes, and effective treatments Read on. This article provides a detailed and scientific review of the clinical signs, causes, aggravating factors, and the latest treatment approaches for this disorder. If you are experiencing silvery skin lesions, chronic itching, or persistent peeling, this article can be a good starting point for better understanding your skin condition and smoothing the path to seeing a specialist.
Everything you need to know about psoriatic arthritis treatment!
If psoriatic arthritis is not treated promptly and properly, the disease affects not only the joints, but also the spine, eyes, heart, and even mental health. Many patients live for years with ineffective medications or incomplete methods, unaware that new treatments, especially biologics, can stop the course of the disease and restore quality of life.
Today, with advances in medical knowledge and individualized treatment approaches, it is possible to control this disease more than ever. By understanding psoriatic arthritis treatment options, working with specialist doctors, and following a comprehensive plan, you can control pain, reduce inflammation, and restore peace to your life.
But what is the solution? The first step is to become fully familiar with the various scientifically proven methods of treating psoriatic arthritis; each of which is designed and prescribed according to the severity of the disease, physical condition, and the patient's body's response. Treatment should be structured, continuous, and personalized. Below is an overview of the most important types of treatment for this condition:
- Biological drugs
- Non-biological drug therapy
- Medications and topical treatments for psoriatic arthritis
- Lifestyle changes are effective in controlling this condition.
Non-biologic drug treatment of psoriatic arthritis
In the world of autoimmune disease treatment, non-biological treatment of psoriatic arthritis holds a special and vital place. In such circumstances, non-biological drug therapy enters the field as one of the main pillars of psoriatic arthritis control and treatment; an accessible, scientific, and in many cases effective tool, especially in the early stages or in patients with mild to moderate severity.
These treatments rely on common and well-known chemical drugs to reduce inflammation, control pain, and inhibit the destructive process of the disease. Some of them can also modulate the function of the immune system and prevent the progression of joint damage. The following is a list of the most important non-biological drugs used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis:
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Sulfasalazine
- Cyclosporine
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Oral or injectable corticosteroids in acute cases
The role of biologic drugs in controlling psoriatic arthritis
Among the stunning advances in the medical world, the introduction of biologics to the treatment of psoriatic arthritis is a turning point in the management of this chronic, autoimmune disease. A disease that not only affects the joints but also turns the skin into a battlefield for inflammation and destruction. Many patients, after years of enduring pain, joint stiffness, and functional impairment, have yet to receive a complete and lasting response from traditional treatments. This is where biologics enter the picture as a new hope.
Although these treatments are usually more expensive and require specialist supervision, their effectiveness in moderate to severe cases has been proven and has restored an active life expectancy to many. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis with biologics is now the gold standard in treatment protocols worldwide. Here are some of the biologic drugs that are effective in controlling and treating psoriatic arthritis:
- Adalimumab
- Etanercept
- Infliximab
- Golimumab
- Ustekinumab
- Tildrakizumab
- Risankizumab
Topical treatments in the control of psoriatic arthritis
One of the most effective and first lines of defense is the use of topical treatments to control skin symptoms, including psoriatic arthritis; treatments that, despite their apparent simplicity, have significant clinical effects. However, the harsh truth is that many patients experience a form of psychological burnout due to the chronic nature of the disease and the frequent recurrence of lesions.
Persistent itching, superficial inflammation, and sometimes painful skin cracks, like silent but annoying sores, can severely impact quality of life. In such situations, choosing an effective treatment that is both safe and produces lasting results is crucial. Here is a list of effective topical treatments for psoriatic arthritis:
- Combined preparations of cortisone and vitamin D
- Coal Tar for Resistant Cases
- Vitamin D analogs such as calcipotriol
- Emollient creams and lotions to reduce dryness and itching
- Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus for sensitive areas (face, groin)
- Topical corticosteroids, such as mometasone furoate Megacort cream and Megacort ointment
The role of lifestyle in controlling psoriatic arthritis: From the plate to the yoga mat
A diet centered on anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, olive oil, turmeric, leafy greens, and nuts is the most basic step in controlling and treating psoriatic arthritis. In addition, gentle but effective exercises such as yoga and Pilates can strengthen muscles and increase joint flexibility, which can double the body's resistance to inflammatory attacks. These activities not only help reduce pain, but also play an important role in psychological balance and stress reduction, an important factor in controlling autoimmune diseases.
In the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle changes go from being a choice to a necessity; a necessity that can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Eliminating or reducing sugar and processed foods, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, getting regular, quality sleep, consuming omega-3s, and green tea are other ways to control this condition.
Choosing carefully among these methods requires knowledge, experience, and medical guidance. A comprehensive treatment plan for psoriatic arthritis will only be successful when it is designed based on a specific and targeted diagnosis.
When should we see a psoriatic arthritis specialist?
Sometimes joint pain is not just a simple fatigue. When swelling, stiffness, and redness of the joints, especially in the fingers or toes, appear chronically and continuously, it should not be taken lightly. The appearance of silvery skin patches, brittle nails, or even a hidden pain in the heel can be a warning sign of the onset of a silent disease; one that, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can lead to gradual joint destruction.
As you know, psoriatic arthritis is a complex autoimmune disease that targets both the skin and joints. Since its symptoms can be confused with other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or even simple sports injuries, accurate and specialized diagnosis is of vital importance. Early referral to a psoriatic arthritis specialist can prevent serious and irreversible complications. Correct diagnosis Type of psoriasis, timely treatment, and improved quality of life, all begin with a smart decision.
This is where the role of a psoriatic arthritis specialist comes in. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, it is time to see this specialist without delay:
- Having a family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune diseases
- Morning stiffness of the joints that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Unusual swelling in the fingers (“sausage finger” appearance)
- Presence of skin patches or psoriasis lesions
- Persistent heel or Achilles tendon pain
- Brittle or deformed nails
- Feeling chronically tired for no reason
Conclusion | Control and treatment of psoriatic arthritis
This article attempts to comprehensively address the various treatment options for psoriatic arthritis, including biologics, non-biologics, topical treatments, and healthy lifestyles, but it is important to note that none of this information is a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment. Each patient has a unique condition that only a medical professional can assess and determine the best course of treatment.
Also, if you are looking to get acquainted with reputable medical centers, we recommend reading our other article titled "Introducing the best psoriasis treatment centers in Iran» Read. In that article, a list of specialized centers is provided along with the services and features of each to make your search and selection process easier.
Awareness is the first step in treatment. But only with the right and timely action can the progression of this chronic disease be stopped and quality of life restored.
