Psoriatic arthritis treatment can help in relieving pain, reducing swelling, help maintain joint mobility and even prevent further joint damage. The type of treatment recommended by doctors is usually based on the type of psoriatic arthritis, the severity of the condition and the person's reaction to treatment.

An early diagnosis and the correct psoriatic arthritis treatment can help in slowing down the disease and trying to preserve the health of the joints. Symptoms of a severe form of the disease are an early age onset, the involvement of multiple joints and also the involvement of the spine. Proper management of the skin portion of the condition may aid in the management of the overall condition. Psoriatic arthritis treatment that treats both the skin and joint components are available.

Mild psoriatic arthritis is said to only affect one to two joints and is localized in nature. People with this condition may have long periods of no symptoms at all. This type of psoriatic arthritis will have less deformity and less chance of disability in the long term.

If there are three or more joints affected by psoriatic arthritis there is an increased chance of joint destruction and disability. Psoriatic arthritis treatment will usually consist of anti-inflammatory drugs but if this fails then a stronger choice may be required. There are some individuals that then need surgery followed by rehabilitation.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment for issues of joint pain, stiffness and inflammation are commonly combated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also known as NSAIDs, these come in over the counter forms like aspirin and ibuprofen but also prescription. Aspirin may assist in decreasing pain, swelling and stiffness. Both prescription and non-prescription NSAIDs can help with the pain, swelling and morning stiffness of psoriatic arthritis. The use of these medications can help to lessen any restrictions of daily activity that are often the result of arthritis.

Using NSAIDs for a long time can result in stomach problems like ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. This is related to the strength of the medication and how long the user has been taking it. Some NSAIDs are referred to as COX-2 inhibitors and have been shown to result in less stomach problems than other types. They do cost a little more and are no more effective at treating the pain and inflammation, plus they have their own associated risks. If you think you could benefit talk to your doctor. Psoriatic arthritis treatment for more severe forms is usually handled by antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which are wanting to slow or stop joint and tissue damage and overall disease progression.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment also comes in the form of systemic medications that are prescription based. These are commonly only used for moderate or severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients. These systemic medications are also handy for those that have been unresponsive or unable to do topical medications or UV light therapy. Commonly these drugs are in the form of liquid or pill orals and injection.