Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Treating Psoriatic Arthritis In Women

Skin disorders are a common health complication for women and are often attributed to aging and hormonal imbalances. Fro some women, however, the complications with skin disorders develop in response to an inherited condition for which there can be long term health complications. If you are a woman who has been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is important to know how to treat the skin disorder, but to also know how treatment for the long term development of psoriatic arthritis may be needed as well.

Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritic condition that affects the joints of women who suffer from psoriasis skin disorder as well. To the benefit of many women with this health complication, the pain of psoriatic arthritis is often not as severe as the pain associated with traditional, and more typical, developments of arthritis. With psoriatic arthritis, however, the swelling of the fingers and toes can be quite severe and the greatest pain and stiffness often occurs in the back and is most significant when first awaking from sleep.

When suffering from psoriatic arthritis, you will want to be sure that you meet with a doctor who is well versed in treating this condition from both a skin disorder as well as a joint complication. In most cases, the use of NSAIDs will be recommended and your doctor may refer you to a course of physical therapy and then transition to home exercise plans. Because your exercise will help to keep joint mobility in function, and help to keep swelling under control, it is this exercise program that will help to improve your health in the long term.

Living with psoriasis will be a lifelong challenge and many women struggle to find balance in managing the appearance of the skin disorder along the knees, fingers, and neck. Beyond the development of skin lesions, the managing of arthritis is also needed to ensure your long term health is protected. While psoriatic arthritis is not overly painful, the swelling, when not well managed, can decrease your quality of life and lead to decreased mobility. Seeking out treatment, using FDA approved medications and exercise, is vital to a woman's health care needs.

Sources: The Arthritis Cure, by Jason Theodosakis, M.D., pp. 220-231.