According to estimates, psoriatic arthritis is an arthritic condition that affects roughly 2% of the American population. Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the affected areas. These areas are often red, and have a raised and scaly appearance. In addition, the condition also tends to occur in the scalp, elbows, knees, rectum, and even the genitals.
What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis, like most types of arthritis, affects the joints. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. What differentiates psoriatic arthritis from rheumatoid arthritis and the other types of arthritis, however, is that it affects the skin and adjacent nails more than the joints.
People with psoriatic arthritis typically experience flare-ups, which can be mild or severe. These flare-ups also come at irregular intervals. The good news about this arthritic condition is that it is very rare for the condition to become worse as to cripple those who are affected by the disease. Psoriatic arthritis does not discriminate; it affects both men and women. However, those who develop the disease are usually in their early thirties.
People with this arthritic condition experience swelling and tenderness in the joints. Their movements can also be restricted. Typcally, only one joint is affected by psoriatic arthritis, although at times two or more joints can be affected. As the condition also affects the adjacent nails, the nails often turn to yellow. In some cases, psoriatic arthritis can completely damage the nails.
What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is believed to be genetic. Thus, if the condition runs in your family, the chances of you getting the disease are much higher than those of a person who does not have a family history of psoriatic arthritis.
How is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated?
For mild cases of psoriatic arthritis, the patient is advised to have as much bed rest as possible. Heat therapy and taking plenty of hot baths have also been found to be effective in providing relief to people who have psoriatic arthritis. Adopting a psoriatic arthritis diet is also one treatment option for those who have the condition. Psoriatic arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease. Thus, getting on a psoriatic arthritis diet is among the simplest but most effective methods that sufferers can control their disease. To date, no cure has been developed or found for psoriatic arthritis so the best means for people with the disease to manage their symptoms is to change their diet.
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