Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Psoriatic arthritis

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Arthritis - psoriatic


Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints.

More severe arthritis needs to be treated with more powerful drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:

  • Leflunomide
  • Methotrexate
  • Sulfasalazine

New medications that block an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are becoming the treatment of choice for psoriatic arthritis. These include:

  • Adalimumab (Humira)
  • Etanercept (Enbrel)
  • Golimumab (Simponi)
  • Infliximab (Remicade)

Occasionally, very painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.

In rare cases, patients need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.

Your doctor may suggest a healthy mix of rest and exercise. Physical therapy may help increase the movement of specific joints. You may also use heat and cold therapy.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. A few people will have severe psoriatic arthritis in their hands, feet, and spine that causes deformities.

In people with severe arthritis, treatment can still relieve pain and prevent joint destruction, especially if it is started early.


Complications

Repeated episodes may occur.


Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms develop along with psoriasis.


Review Date: 06/29/2011
Reviewed By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)