Prognosis of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritic condition that also affects the skin. Psoriasis of the skin may develop first followed by psoriatic arthritis. One in 20 people with psoriasis will eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health. The prognosis of psoriatic arthritis is that it is not curable but is treatable.
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Causes
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Psoriasis and arthritis are both autoimmune disorders in which healthy tissue is attacked by the immune system. Psoriasis is an overproduction of skin cells resulting in patches of thick scales on the skin. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints. Family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
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Symptoms you may expect from psoriatic arthritis include swollen and painful joints and joint areas that feel warm to the touch. Psoriatic arthritis affecting the spinal area includes symptoms of pain, burning and stiffness located in the lower back. The prognosis of the disease is chronic, meaning it is a long-lasting illness.
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Types
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There are several different types of psoriatic arthritis, including asymmetric psoriatic arthritis that affects the joints of one side of the body. This form generally affects five or less joints. Symmetric psoriatic arthritis affects joints on both sides of the body, is more severe and affects women more than men. Spondylitis is a form of psoriatic arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine and neck.
Diagnosis
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Several tests will be administered to determine diagnosis. X-rays will reveal changes in joint tissue. A joint fluid test may be performed by removing a sample of fluid from a painful joint area to be studied in the lab. A rheumatoid factor test may be performed to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
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The prognosis for psoriatic arthritis is generally mild and can be treated successfully. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis so the goal of treatment is to control inflammation and reduce painful symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and Aleve may reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid injections into the affected area provides immediate relief to painful joints. The injections are a short-term treatment only because of severe side effects. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs limit joint damage and reduce pain and inflammation. This is a slow-acting treatment so relief may not be felt for several weeks. Immunosuppressant drugs such as Imuran suppresses the immune system, preventing attacks on healthy joint tissue. These drugs are only used in severe cases because of potential damage to liver and kidneys.
Home Treatment
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Reduce your weight if you are overweight because excess pounds can put stress on already damaged joints. Applying cold packs reduces inflammation and heat relaxes stiff joints. Exercise strengthens muscles surrounding painful joint areas, giving them added support. Adding omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and nuts to your diet may help reduce inflammation of joints.
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