Psoriatic arthritis can make everyday movement a challenge. You may wake up with stiff joints or deal with daily discomfort, keeping you from performing routine tasks and doing the things you love. Over time, untreated inflammation can worsen and further affect your quality of life.

At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we help you take control of your pain with targeted, personalized treatment plans. Our team focuses on reducing joint inflammation and improving joint function to help you move with greater ease. Call today to schedule a consultation.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects both your joints and your skin. Your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation that causes stiffness and chronic pain. Many people with psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches.

Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in your body, from your fingers and toes to your spine. Without proper care, this condition can worsen and significantly limit your ability to move comfortably. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help you manage symptoms and protect your joints.

Common Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from person to person, but most patients experience a combination of joint and skin-related issues. Symptoms can come and go, often flaring up unexpectedly.

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Swollen fingers and toes
  • Lower back pain or stiffness
  • Fatigue and reduced energy levels
  • Nail changes, such as pitting or separation
  • Red, scaly skin patches associated with psoriasis

If you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Early treatment can help you avoid long-term joint damage.

Common Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis

Research has shown that several factors can play a role in psoriatic arthritis. Many patients have a parent or sibling who suffers from either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, suggesting a genetic component. However, there also seems to be a link between environmental factors, such as physical trauma or infection. 

Factors that increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis include:

  • Genetic predisposition or family history
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Environmental factors, such as infections or injuries
  • Stress, which can worsen flare-ups

A skilled healthcare provider who understands these causes can develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and reduces symptom severity.

How Psoriatic Arthritis Pain Can Impact Your Life

Psoriatic arthritis pain can disrupt nearly every aspect of your daily routine. Joint stiffness can make simple movements difficult, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. 

You may struggle with:

  • Walking, bending, or lifting
  • Maintaining an active lifestyle
  • Completing work-related tasks
  • Getting restful sleep due to discomfort

Chronic pain doesn’t just impact you physically. It can also impact your mood and emotional well-being. Many patients feel frustrated when pain limits their independence and prevents them from engaging in activities they previously enjoyed. However, with the right care, you can reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

Our Approach to Psoriatic Arthritis Pain Management

At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we focus on comprehensive, personalized care for patients who have psoriatic arthritis. Our team evaluates your symptoms and medical history to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Our approach to psoriatic arthritis pain management treatment aims to:

  • Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
  • Improve joint mobility and flexibility
  • Prevent further joint damage
  • Help you return to your daily activities

Some of the potential treatments our team might suggest include:

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the early stages of psoriatic arthritis. These medications can decrease swelling and improve joint function.

Our team may recommend NSAIDs to:

  • Manage mild to moderate pain
  • Reduce stiffness and swelling
  • Support daily comfort and mobility

We carefully evaluate your health when determining whether this medication would prove safe and effective for you. 

Biologic Agents

Also known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents target the specific parts of your immune system that drive inflammation. These advanced medications can slow disease progression and protect your joints.

Benefits of biologic agents include:

  • Reducing inflammation at the source
  • Improving joint and skin symptoms
  • Helping prevent long-term damage

Common examples of biologic agents include:

  • Enbrel
  • Stelara
  • Cosentyx
  • Tremfya
  • Orencia

Biologic agents can prove highly effective for many patients, but they’re not for everybody. Our team can assess your condition to determine whether biologic therapy is appropriate and monitor your progress closely throughout treatment.

Newer Oral Medications

Newer oral medications, such as Otezla, offer another option for managing psoriatic arthritis. These treatments target inflammation pathways inside your body and provide relief without injections.

Benefits of oral medications include:

  • Reducing joint pain and swelling
  • Improving physical function
  • Providing a convenient treatment option

Therapies Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Offers

The team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine also offers a range of non-surgical therapies to support pain relief and improve mobility in patients who have psoriatic arthritis. 

Therapeutic options we offer include:

  • Customized physical and occupational therapy to meet your particular needs
  • Acupuncture to lessen inflammation, pain, and swelling
  • Lifestyle guidance to help you manage flare-ups

Many patients prefer to explore these therapy options before opting for medications or steroidal injections, while others prefer a more comprehensive approach. Our team will work with you to determine what approach might work best for you, and then tailor a treatment plan around your goals.

Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Today

You don’t have to live with constant joint pain. The team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can help you take control of your psoriatic arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life with a personalized treatment plan. Remember that early treatment can prevent long-term complications. Contact us today to get started.