An effective treatment for arthritis in the management of the disease. There are many treatment options that you should know. Over time, you can try different treatments and medications. Here you will find the best treatment for you to be a long process.

So far there is no treatment for psoriatic arthritis, so treatment focuses on the inflammation in the affected joints to prevent joint pain and disability. Often a multidisciplinary approach is used to treat skin and joint symptoms.
 

Medication Options

 
NSAIDs Analgesics (Painkillers)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may help to control pain, swelling and morning stiffness, and are experienced in generally the first treatment for psoriatic arthritis. NSAIDs provide higher forces are needed to do in the-counter medicines. However, all NSAIDs can irritate the stomach and intestines can and the long-term use of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.Other potential side effects include damage to the kidneys, fluid retention and heart failure. In addition, NSAIDs may aggravate skin problems. However, these drugs can be a good option for people with less pain and stiffness..

Corticosteroids (Steroids)

If you have mild psoriatic arthritis, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids to control infrequent joint pain flares. Corticosteroids can be taken orally, or they can be injected directly into aching joints. Corticosteroid injections provide almost immediate relief and improve range of motion — sometimes for months. But because injected steroids can cause damage, their use is usually limited.

DMARDs

Rather than just reducing pain and inflammation, this class of drugs helps limit the amount of joint damage that occurs in psoriatic arthritis. But because DMARDs act slowly, you may not notice the effects for weeks or even months. For that reason, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever, such as aspirin, in addition to a DMARD. Examples of DMARDs include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate. The latter, particularly, has potentially serious side effects, including lung disease and liver problems. Taking folic acid with methotrexate can relieve certain side effects such as a sore mouth and an upset stomach.

Biologic Drugs

Biologic response modifiers (biologics) stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight disease and/or infection. For example, TNF-alpha is one of the most important cytokines involved in rheumatoid arthritis through its entanglement in the cascade of inflammatory reactions. Anti-TNF drugs bind to TNF-alpha, rendering it inactive and interfering with inflammatory activity — ultimately decreasing joint damage. Anti-TNF drugs are just one type of biologic drug developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.TNF-alpha inhibitors. Your doctor may recommend tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors if you have severe psoriatic arthritis. These drugs block the protein that causes inflammation in some types of arthritis. Drugs in this category include etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira) and infliximab (Remicade). TNF-alpha inhibitors can improve signs and symptoms of psoriasis, as well. All carry a risk of serious side effects, however, including some that can be life-threatening. Be sure to discuss with your doctor whether the benefits you’ll receive from these medications outweigh the risks. Keep in mind that these treatments, which must be injected, are very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars per treatment. If you and your doctor decide to use TNF inhibitors, check with your insurance company about coverage.

Pain Relief

Pain serves as the signal that something is wrong in the body. Chronic pain can interfere with daily living. It is important to find ways to manage pain and minimize its negative impact. There are both pharmacologic (drug) and non-pharmacologic options to learn about and try. Always consult your doctor before trying a new treatment.

Natural Remedies

Alternative and natural treatments have gained popularity and serve as a complement to traditional therapies. Some treatments get little respect regarding their effectiveness, plus there may be warnings for potential drug interactions and side effects. While some patients claim they have had success with natural remedies, others claim there isn’t enough scientific research to back it up. It is definitely important to be well-informed about any treatment you wish to try and remember to first discuss it with your doctor.

Topical Arthritis Treatments

Topical arthritis products are preparations applied to the skin. Many of the arthritis cream products are available over-the-counter. Effective for soothing minor arthritis and muscle pain, some contain the active ingredient salicylate, while others are based on the pain-relieving effect of capsaicin or menthol.

Joint Surgery Options

Although surgery is rarely performed for psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may recommend some form of joint operation when other treatments fail to relieve your symptoms. Surgeons use various procedures to ease pain and restore mobility. Because these operations pose some risks, be sure you thoroughly discuss your options with your doctor.

Sources more information:

By Carol & Richard Eustice, about.com

By mayoclinic By Mayo Clinic staff