12 Simple Ways to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition where one experiences swelling in one's joints and areas where the tendons and ligaments link to the bones. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disease, which means one's immune system works against one's body. The disease causes stiffness and fatigue. Left untreated, it may lead to pain and discomfort even while conducting simple physical tasks. Here are some ways to manage it and lessen its impact on one's daily life. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis In psoriatic arthritis, one's immune system releases a protein called cytokines. The body releases the same proteins when battling the common cold or flu. Those proteins cause inflammation all over one's body. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms like swelling and pain fluctuate between mild to severe and can be triggered at any point. These symptomatic periods are called flare-ups and may cause chronic fatigue or exhaustion. Apart from inflammation and energy loss, one may also have trouble concentrating and face issues with one's weight. Sleeplessness may not be a direct symptom of psoriatic arthritis, but the pain in the tendon, joint, and ligament may interfere with one's sleep. It's advisable to consult a doctor if one experiences any signs of getting a detailed, customized treatment plan and avoiding complicating the disease further. Left untreated, it may lead to other illnesses like sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, anemia, diabetes, uveitis, and depression. 12 ways to deal with psoriasis arthritis Exercise regularly A sedentary lifestyle can cause a multitude of diseases. So, one way to fight tiredness and build the body's ability to fight diseases is to stay moderately active. One can start with low-impact guided exercises like yoga, stretching, swimming, and tai chi. Gentle movement and stretching lowers one's stiffness without damaging the joints and helps boost one's mood and energy levels. Exercising also releases endorphins that fight anxiety and improves the quality of sleep. It also improves heart health, builds muscles and strength, and leads to flexibility. One can stay hydrated and wear doctor-recommended support, including a brace, cane, or other equipment to protect one's joints from further damage. Regular physical activity raises the body's natural opiates and ensures more energy and better sleep. Manage stress Stress can exacerbate one's symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Apart from light exercises, one can do meditation, journal one's thoughts, talk to friends and family, or even consult a therapist to manage one's stress better. Follow healthy food habits Eating refined sugar and fatty and oily foods can pressure one's lungs, drop one's energy levels after consumption, and worsen joint pain. So, it's advisable to eat anti-inflammatory foods with lean protein, whole grains, and antioxidant foods like fruits and vegetables, oats, and dark chocolate. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids like soups, smoothies, and juices can also help one to stay hydrated and ease arthritic symptoms. Check up on mental health One may develop mental disorders like anxiety or depression due to chronic arthritis, which may affect one's routine. Mental health, however, can be managed and cured completely with proper treatment and medical help. It's advisable to consult a therapist if one experiences these signs. Follow a set sleep pattern It's recommended to follow a set sleep and wake cycle and reduce one's physical activity level if one experiences a flare. Fatigue is an early sign of a flare, but resting may help prevent symptom aggravation. One can avoid phone screens at night and sleep in a quiet room. For relaxation and better sleep quality, one can take a warm water bath with Epsom or other salts, avoid drinking coffee at least four hours before bedtime, keep electronics at bay, and have lighter meals and at least two hours of gap between dinner and bedtime. Ensure sufficient rest Scheduling naps and other downtime during the day can help one maintain energy levels. Highly active chores can be scheduled earlier in the day and divided into smaller tasks. It's advised to avoid naps that are too lengthy or late in the day because these can disrupt one's night sleep. The downtime requirement and activities vary from person to person. So, one can gauge one's routine and plan out rest time between different activities. Maintain Vitamin D levels Research shows a direct association between vitamin D deficiency and psoriatic arthritis. People with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing bone abnormalities and weakened muscle strength. The deficiency also leads to fatigue and low energy levels. One can take oral vitamins and sunbathe in the morning and evening to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels. Check iron deficiency Iron supplies oxygen to the cells and provides energy to one's muscles. Iron deficiency can lead to conditions like anemia and exhaustion, where one lacks red blood cells and aggravate psoriatic arthritis. Use a mobility device If one is suffering from chronic arthritis, one can use mobility devices like a two-wheeler or a walker. The tools provide the necessary mobility while ensuring that one's joints and ligaments are not strained. Identify triggers It's important to maintain one's energy levels and avoid chronic fatigue. While it can be challenging, identifying trigger points for one's tiredness can help manage psoriatic arthritis. The triggers can be odd sleeping hours, a polluted environment, lack of essential nutrients in one's food intake, physical exertion, high-stress levels, or a combination of these. Seek immediate help One can enlist the help of family members and friends to preserve one's energy. The assistance can be for chores around the house and with childcare. Doing so will give one's body the necessary time to recover. Consider therapy Apart from these remedies and lifestyle changes, a patient can also consider medical treatments with a doctor's consultation. Some therapies can ensure sufficient nutrient levels, while some can help regulate sleep cycles. Chronic pain, anxiety, and depression associated with arthritis can occasionally be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other types of counseling. One can consult a physician about one's treatment options and detect other underlying conditions potentially aggravating the condition.