Psoriatic arthritis

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Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest

Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek

Arthritis - psoriatic

Treatment of psoriatic arthritis involves medication, patient education, and physical and occupational therapy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) or salicylates are used to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints. More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS). Occasionally, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.

Recently, new medications have been introduced. Inhibitors of the inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are fast becoming the treatment of choice. These include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira).

Rarely, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints will be performed.

Get rest and exercise. To increase mobility, physical therapy provides exercise programs for specific joints. Heat and cold applications, or hydrotherapy may also be used.

The course of the disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. In those with severe arthritis, treatment is usually very successful in alleviating the pain.

Repeated episodes may occur.

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

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.