Psoriatic Arthritis Pictures and Tips for Living
by Tina de Lemos

Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects about two percent of the U.S. population. It is estimated that 10-30% of patients with psoriasis, a skin condition, develop psoriatic arthritis. The good news is that there are ways to live well with psoriatic arthritis.

Physical Activity, Good Nutrition
Physical activity and good nutrition are recommended by most rheumatologists, doctors and alternative healers to improve your quality of life with psoriatic arthritis. Exercise maintains strength and helps with joint mobility, according to web-based health expert Everyday Health.

Even though maintaining a daily exercise regimen works best, their health professionals say any sort of exercise will help with any type of arthritis. Because muscles surround joints, physical activity that strengthens muscles will make joints run smoother. And good nutrition gives your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to feed muscles and bones.

Sex and Psoriatic Arthritis
Sex is considered to be a good addition to an exercise regimen. Many psoriatic arthritis patients are worried that they might not be able to perform well or be limited by pain and self-consciousness. But sex with psoriatic arthritis can still be great, according to Christopher Ritchlin, a professor of medicine at Rochester Medical center in New York.

Proper rest and planning is important as with any type of exercise when you are living with this condition. Talking to your partner before and after sex is a bridge for self-esteem and an increased level of comfort. Men and women generally find that sex feels good and releases endorphins to improve mood. Drugs you may be taking to control psoriatic arthritis generally don’t interfere with sexual desire or capability, according to Ritchlin.
Psoriatic Arthritis During Pregnancy
PA does not have to be a deterent for a pregnancy, either. Having a healthy, normal baby is possible with the proper care from a knowledgeable and trustworthy physician. Drugs usually prescribed for psoriatic arthritis are generally not encouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but over-the-counter medications can be used to dull psoriatic arthritis pain.

More Psoriatic Arthritis Facts
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory disease which can cause the human immune system to turn on itself. The disease usually develops later on in life but has also been seen in children as young as 10. Typically, the onset of psoriatic arthritis occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

Unlike rhuematoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is more prevalent in men than women. By definition, psoriatic arthritis affects both skin and joints, but one condition can trigger another. Psoriasis is more likely to lead to arthritis of the joints than vice versa.

Psoriasis is generally described by extra skin on the surface of your body because skin cells are attacking “themselves.” Skin symptoms appear on hands, toes, knees, elbows, arms, nails and even the scalp. In more serious cases, psoriasis can even lead to heart and kidney failure.

Psoriatic Arthritis Causes
Although the cause for psoriatic arthritis is not known, it may be related to:

•    Stress
“Stress plays a large role in any imbalance in the body” says Nila Gresham, an alternative healer. “Stress triggers the 'fear factor' and 'flight-or-flight' response, kicking our bodies into survival mode.”
Normal amounts of stress tell our muscles and joints to do the work they need to do however, too much stress can lead to tightness and difficulty of movement as well as a wide range of skin irritations and conditions. Stress levels in the body affect the way we think, feel and move.

•    Depression
As a result of the redness, swelling, itching and cracking of the skin that occurs with psoriasis, pain and embarrassment of this disease can accompany a person in the psoriatic arthritis community. Excessive embarrassment and worry about physical appearance can lead to feelings of deep sadness or depression.

•    Fatigue

Fatigue is a tough symptom that may have more of an impact on people's daily life than pain, according to Basia Belza, a physician from the University of Washington. Tiredness, the inability to do certain tasks or extreme “heaviness” are all symptoms of fatigue.

Although people with psoriatic arthritis may live uncomfortably, prescription drugs such as Prednisolone and Cortisone shots can help ease pain for PA patients. Physicians, mental health care professionals and even alternative healers are there to ease symptoms and be a support system for those that struggle in a sea of over 7 million people who have this ailment.

Photo of feet with severe psoriatic arthritis courtesy of Jmh649 on Wikimedia Commons.