People living with psoriatic arthritis have found complementary or alternative therapies beneficial in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with their condition, but before trying any such remedies it is advisable to speak to your healthcare provider first.
Exercise in warm water has been found to ease joint stiffness while increasing strength and range of motion, according to Arthritis Foundation (AF). Acupressure may also help relieve any associated discomfort.
Hydrotherapy
Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, inflammation and reduced range of motion in its victims. Psoriatic arthritis typically impacts joints in the hands and feet most severely; fingers and toes often swell so much they look like sausages! Psoriatic arthritis also impacts lower backs via an additional form called Spondylitis.
There are natural ways to soothe joint pain and control inflammation without resorting to medications prescribed by your physician. While they won’t completely eliminate psoriatic arthritis symptoms, these natural alternatives can serve as useful additions.
Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy is one of the most popular natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis. This therapy involves performing exercises in a warm water pool under supervision from a physical therapist in order to relax stiff joints and muscles, creating gentle exercise which relieves stiffness. You could also try submerging your hands (or feet) in warmed wax for an intense deep heat bath that could ease arthritis pain while loosening tight muscles and joints.
Other alternative treatments and lifestyle adjustments include herbal therapies and diet changes. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in managing flare-ups of psoriatic arthritis. You can add turmeric as a spice in food or take essential oil or curcumin pills for its benefits; but always consult your rheumatologist first before trying anything new as any dangerous interactions could occur between medications and supplements you try.
Acupuncture is another holistic therapy proven to reduce pain for those living with psoriatic arthritis. Although more research needs to be conducted, both the Arthritis Foundation and American College of Rheumatology recommend it as an effective means of controlling it. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into various parts of your body for pain management as well as relieving stress that exacerbates symptoms, improving blood flow which then decreases pain levels further, relieving stress-related symptoms further still and decreasing inflammation – however this treatment may cost money so make sure you inquire with healthcare provider regarding coverage options before scheduling an appointment.
Massage
Natural therapies may also help ease joint pain and other symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis, from foot soaks in warm Epsom salt water to meditation sessions. These remedies may help decrease flare-up frequency while making you more comfortable when they do occur.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, before considering alternative therapies as part of a treatment regimen. Many therapies require additional clinical trials before being considered safe; some have shown promising results in relieving symptoms associated with this disease.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 10%-30% of people living with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis – an inflammatory chronic condition which causes painful joints, particularly those located in hands and feet. Early identification and treatment is important in order to protect permanent damage of joints.
Homeopathic treatments may help relieve the aches and pains of psoriatic arthritis, but be wary of over-the-counter painkillers which can increase your risk for heart disease and gastrointestinal damage. Instead, consider trying natural solutions known to soothe joint discomfort such as taking warm Epsom salt baths or applying topical magnesium creams directly onto sore joints.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice in which acupuncturists insert needles at strategic points on the body to treat specific conditions. While its effectiveness has been demonstrated for various ailments, including Arthritis Foundation-recognized arthritis-related symptoms, not everyone may be suitable and only visit licensed acupuncturists should seek treatments.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends exercise to increase joint flexibility and range of motion. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and yoga can strengthen muscles surrounding the joints to increase stability – this may prevent them from locking up when overworked – helping prevent locking up or inflammation when overstressed. Receiving regular massages may also help ease stress-induced symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Diet
People living with psoriasis have an estimated 30% risk of psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition which can lead to painful and stiff joints. While medication may help, some individuals opt for natural therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga or diet modification in order to alleviate symptoms more effectively. It’s always a good idea to consult your physician prior to trying anything new even if it seems natural such as “acupuncture, massage therapy”
Arthritis Foundation (AF) recommends eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation in order to mitigate joint pain. They further advise eating low-fat dairy and forgoing caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. Incorporating regular low-impact exercises like walking cycling swimming yoga into daily routine can also ease joint discomfort while helping prevent flare-ups from returning in future episodes.
Accumulating sufficient sleep can help alleviate stress levels that lead to flare-ups of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, as well as helping you feel refreshed during the day. If you’re having trouble sleeping, meditation and yoga may help. In addition, try sticking to a sleep schedule aimed at getting up at roughly the same time each night and going to bed as planned each evening.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into different parts of your body in order to relieve pain and improve circulation, with research suggesting it may also help with psoriatic arthritis. While results of studies vary greatly, acupuncture has proven its worth as an alternative treatment option.
Meditation, yoga and tai chi are effective techniques for relaxation that can reduce stress and anxiety levels. By engaging in such activities regularly, they can help to alleviate your mood while simultaneously decreasing flare-ups of symptoms.
Over-the-counter nutritional supplements may be promoted as natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis, but according to the Arthritis Foundation they often lack evidence. Therefore, it may be wiser to view them as complementary approaches in your overall psoriatic arthritis treatment plan.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause swollen fingers and toes, as well as pain in your back, hips, knees, ankles, feet, wrists and fingers. You may also notice reduced range of motion and increased fatigue throughout the day. Luckily there are natural solutions available that may alleviate symptoms – here are 10 suggestions you could try today.
Exercise
If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, alternative therapies may provide relief and improve overall health. Many of these treatments fall under complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Many can help manage symptoms when they flare up while also protecting from future joint damage.
Exercise such as walking and yoga can help alleviate your discomfort while improving flexibility and balance. Swimming and hydrotherapy (a treatment in which your body is submerged into warm water, such as a pool) may also be beneficial to joints. Tai chi and resistance training activities may build muscles while keeping joints strong.
Diet can also help ease your psoriatic arthritis symptoms. When choosing your meals, focus on adding fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your daily diet – while avoiding foods high in saturated and trans fats which increase risk of cardiovascular disease and cause inflammation of joints.
Your doctor may suggest using both traditional medicines and complementary treatments to manage psoriatic arthritis, including DMARDs which help slow its progress by inhibiting parts of your immune system that cause inflammation. While taking these DMARDs may take several weeks or months to work effectively, long-term relief from your arthritis symptoms may result.
Medication such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine can also help alleviate symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis, though they may cause side effects like nausea and vomiting – it’s important that any such reactions be reported immediately to your healthcare provider if experienced.
Massage and acupuncture may also provide natural ways to treat psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into your skin to promote healing; research has found that this technique helps control pain and stiffness for those living with arthritis.
Massage can provide great relief from arthritic pain and stress. Consult with your therapist about which areas are the most painful, how frequently massage should occur and which unscented lotions or oils would best serve to alleviate inflammation in your skin and alleviate pain. Scented products may irritate it further causing more distress to the affected areas.
