Psoriatic Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions

Psoriatic Arthritis (PA) is defined as an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis (not in all cases). It can affect the ligaments, tendons, fascia, and joints, in different patients. It may present with severe joint pain and stiffness. All patients of Psoriasis may not develop PA. For further details on PA refer to link given below:
Psoriatic Arthritis 

Any joint can be affected. The small joints, large joints or the spine can be affected. A single or a few joints may get affected, or several small and big joints may be affected.

• PA is a relatively difficult condition and it requires long term or may be life long treatment
• There is a treatment for it and the disease can be kept under very good control
• Psoriatic Arthritis is an autoimmune disease
• Tendency to develop PA is genetically inherited
• The HLA-B27 gene can be detected in the blood of most (but not all) patients with PA
• Research proven homeopathic treatment offers good pain relief for Psoriatic Arthritis

Auto immune disease arise from an over active response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body actually attacks its own cells.
 

• Approximately 40% of patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have a family history of these disorders in first-degree relatives
• Psoriatic arthritis is associated with an increased frequency of HLA-B7
• Psoriatic arthritis may be triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and IL-8

The affected joints are inflamed, swollen and deformed. Along with the joint inflammation, psoriasis may be visible on the skin of the joints. The nail changes may be observed in many patients.

Asymmetrical joint involvement Pain and stiffness of the joint

• varying in severity from mild, moderate to severe
• more in the morning
• reduced mobility and growing deformity (sausage appearance of the digit)

To read more about the same refer:
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis 

A] Asymmetrical Oligoarticular Arthritis
B] Symmetrical Polyarthritis
C] Distal interphalangealArthropathy
D] Arthritis Mutilans
E] Spondylitis with or without sacroiliitis
F] Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis
G] Nail involvement
H] Eye involvement

For more details refer to our site on: Types of Psoriatic Arthritis 
 

The diagnosis of PA is mostly clinical based on the presentation of the patient.
Hallmark for PA diagnosis is:

• Asymmetrical pattern of digit involvement
• Interphalangeal joint involvement (small joint) is characterized with sausage appearance of the digits (dactylitis)
• The inflamed joints are swollen and have a purplish- red discoloration
• Along with the joint inflammation, psoriasis may be visible on the skin of the joints
• The nail changes may be observed in many patients

The common investigations done in PA are: 

• ESR, Serum uric acid levels
• X-Ray of the affected joint
• Anti Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and Rheumatoid Factor (RA)

Patients with extensive psoriasis have more chances of developing psoriatic arthritis. However, mild cases of psoriasis may also present with psoriatic arthritis. Also, it is not a rule that all the cases of psoriasis will have psoriatic arthritis. There are 10-15 % chances.

PA, if not controlled in the early stages can lead to deformity of the affected joints.

Tendency to develop PA is genetically inherited. Approximately 40% of patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have a family history of these disorders in first-degree relatives.
 

The conventional treatment of psoriatic arthritis consists of

1] Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)
They do not modify the course of the disease, nor do they prevent erosions, but they are effective to relieve pain and stiffness

2] Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD's) such as Methotrexate and Cyclosporine
Methotrexate is effective both for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Side effects of Methotrexate are described on Methotrexate Adverse Effects

3] Biological agents (Etanercept, Infliximab) these are Anti-TNF agents and are in advanced clinical trials

4] Systematic corticosteroids are very effective in the acute flare ups, but have potential side effects for long term application 

5] Physical therapy is invaluable importance in several cases 

6] Reconstructive surgery is required in selective cases with end stage joint destruction 

PA is a deep seated auto-immune disorder, which requires treatment at a deeper level. The conventional treatment alone is not enough, in most cases it causes immunosuppression which is not the most desired way to treat PA, immunocorrection seems to be the right way, Homeopathy just does that.

Yes. In fact, most cases of PA who are on the conventional therapy are likely to require homeopathic medication.

The homeopathic treatment is aimed at:

a. Controlling the underlying disease process which is responsible for cause of the disease
b. Control of pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation
c. Controlling the deformity
d. Controlling and healing of psoriasis lesions 

No. Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with the conventional medicines.

Depending on the extent and severity of ones PA, one may observe some improvement in about six to eight weeks. However, the course of treatment takes over year to have better control over the disease.

To start with, your conventional medicines may need to be continued. Over the period of time, it is expected that you are able to reduce and also (possibly) stop other medicines, once you respond positively to homeopathic treatment.

At Life Force, we have treated and documented over 60 cases of PA with significant success rate.
 

The length of treatment depends on the factors such extent, stage and severity of the joint pain. Most patients are treated for one to two years or more.
Click more to read about the homeopathy treatment for psoriatic arthritis.