Psoriatic arthritis
Diagnosis
You can think of psoriatic arthritis (PSA) as an invisible illness…that’s not always invisible. Let us explain: this autoimmune joint disease affects some people who have psoriasis, a condition characterized by red, scaly patches on your skin. Usually you develop psoriasis first, with the joint pain appearing about a decade later. That’s not always the case, though: sometimes PSA develops before the skin lesions appear, and sometimes you may never have psoriasis at all. Even if you’re not familiar with PSA specifically, the symptoms will be familiar to anyone with an autoimmune condition. They include pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), fatigue, and swelling, all especially around the joints. You might have pitted nails or redness and pain in your eyes (called uveitis). The severity of psoriasis and PSA are not connected—you may have only a few skin lesions but lots of affected joints or vice versa. Symptoms can flare and subside depending on lots of factors, like meds, injuries, and stress levels, and when it comes to psoriasis, even the weather and what you've been eating or drinking can play a role. Diagnosis is made mostly by your practitioner’s observations (a history, exam, and tests) and process of elimination. You may want to see a rheumatologist, who specializes in these disorders. Treatment is important, because it can lower your risk of permanent joint damage and other health conditions related to PSA, like heart disease. Conventional treatments include medications that reduce inflammation and swelling and biologics that target your immune system. There’s no actual cure for PSA, but self-care can help keep your flares to a minimum. Start with diet and some gentle fitness, like yoga or tai chi, which can help a lot. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies since people with autoimmune conditions tend to be deficient in some nutrients, especially antioxidants and essential fatty acids. And get your fill of omega-3s, in supplement form or from foods, especially fish and nuts. (Yeah, we're kinda steering you towards an anti-inflammatory diet here—but you probably knew that!) You might also benefit from a little extra vitamin D, and avoiding gluten, because there’s a link between PSA and celiac disease. Finally, try to get plenty of sleep, because those with PSA have a harder time getting enough, and lack of sleep definitely leads to more stress.
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