She Strengthens

Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis and Its Impact on Your Knees

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex condition that combines the symptoms of psoriasis and arthritis, leading to a range of uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms. If you’re living with PsA, you may experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in your joints, particularly in your knees.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects approximately 30% of people with psoriasis. It’s a chronic condition that can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as skin symptoms like scaling plaques and itchy patches. There are five different types of PsA, each with its own unique characteristics.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis in the Knee

If PsA affects your knees, you may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Throbbing pain
• Limited mobility
• Reduced flexibility
• Stiffness and swelling
• Tenderness, redness, and warmth
• Pain when bending or extending your knee
• A grinding sensation when bending your knee
• Cracking or popping sounds when bending or extending your knee

The Impact of PsA on Your Overall Health

PsA doesn’t just affect your joints; it can also cause:

• Fatigue
• Eye inflammation
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling of fingers and toes
• Back pain and inflammation
• Crumbling, pitted, or ridged nails
• Tummy troubles like diarrhea, bloating, or constipation

What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?

While the exact cause of PsA is unknown, research suggests that genetic factors may play a role. Other risk factors include:

• Excessive alcohol intake
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Nail disease
• Severe psoriasis
• Traumatic injuries

Can You Prevent Psoriatic Arthritis?

While there’s no way to completely prevent PsA, you may be able to reduce your chances of a flare-up by avoiding common triggers like:

• Skin infections
• Intense stress or anxiety
• Skipping psoriasis medication
• Skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, or burns
• Joint injuries like sprains or twists

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in nuts, seeds, onions, berries, olive oil, and fatty fish may also help reduce inflammation.

Treatment Options for PsA

While there’s currently no cure for PsA, various treatments can help improve symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. These include:

• Topical ointments
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Managing PsA Symptoms at Home

In addition to medical treatment, you can try the following strategies to help manage your PsA symptoms at home:

• Maintain a solid sleep schedule
• Take hot baths or use a heating pad to soothe pain
• Use an ice pack to reduce inflammation
• Use a knee brace to keep your joint in place
• Meditate or do breathing exercises to reduce stress
• Wear comfy shoes that reduce impact on your knees
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints
• Try low-impact exercise like swimming, walking, or yoga
• Use a walker or cane to take some pressure off your knees
• Avoid high-impact activities like dancing, running, and jumping

Remember to always consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or remedies.

When to See a Doctor

It’s essential to catch PsA early to slow its progression. Contact a doctor right away if you experience:

• A bad psoriasis flare-up
• Warm, swollen, or red knees
• Chronic morning stiffness
• Difficulty bending or extending your knee
• Trouble putting weight on your knee

By understanding PsA and its impact on your knees, you can take control of your symptoms and work towards a more comfortable, active life.