First off, you need to know that this disease comes in multiple spellings. It's usually known as psoriatic arthritis, but a common misspelling or psoratic arthritis has entered the medical jargon. No matter how you spell it, psoratic arthritis deals with the same thing – a painful disease of the body's immune system that can strike at any age. But once you contract psoratic arthritis, you are NOT doomed to spend the rest of your life in misery.

About Psoriasis

One in three sufferers of the skin condition known as psoriasis will develop psoratic arthritis. This is where psoratic arthritis gets its name from. You can get psoriasis at virtually any age. This annoying condition causes thick red patches of skin to form on areas of your body. Sometimes, you can get psoriatic arthritis before showing any signs of psoriasis. You can't have psoratic arthritis without also having psoriasis.

What does a skin condition have to do with developing arthritis? Aren't they two different areas of the body without anything to do with each other? Well, not entirely. Psoriasis is an affliction of the body's immune system. So is rheumatoid arthritis. Getting psoriasis seems to trigger immunity problems in the joints.

You Must See Your Doctor

Although sometimes psoriasis can clear up with home remedies, psoriatic arthritis does not. This is a degenerative disease. That means it gets progressively worse over time. You have to see your doctor in order to get any pain relief or to hope to retain any flexibility in your joints. The good news is that the disease can be slowed down if it is caught early enough.

The average time of getting psoratic arthritis after getting psoriasis is ten years. So you need to be aware that any stiffness and pain in your joints any time after getting psoriasis may signal that the condition has begun. Sometimes, the pain comes on gradually. Sometimes, it comes on all at once with a ferocity that can literally take your breath away.

I Want A New Drug

Drugs will be part of a multi-faceted approach to managing your psoratic arthritis. You will most likely be prescribed a couple of drugs – not just one. You need to tell your doctor about all of the medicines, multi-vitamins and herbal supplements you are already taking to avoid side effects.

Since being overweight will greatly aggravate the pain, going on a balanced, sensible diet and gentle regular exercise will be encouraged. Swimming, gardening and yoga seem to be the most often recommended exercises for arthritis sufferers.