Psoriatic arthritis treatment has the goal of reducing pain, decreasing swelling, helping keep joint mobility and preventing further joint damage. The decision on the type of treatment used is usually made by the doctor based on the type of psoriatic arthritis, how severe the condition is and the individual's reaction to treatment.

With appropriate early diagnosis and psoriatic arthritis treatment something can be done to slow down the disease and try to preserve the health of the joints. Severe forms of the disease may be characterized by an early young age onset, multiple joints being affected and the spine also involved. Adequate management of the skin part of the disease may be helpful in overall management of psoriatic arthritis. There are some psoriatic arthritis treatments able to treat both psoriasis and the arthritis component.

Mild psoriatic arthritis generally is localized and will only be present in one to two joints. An individual may experience long time periods with no symptoms. This type of psoriatic arthritis usually causes less deformity and long term disability.

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 the symptoms of inflammation, joint pain and stiffness are generally handled by Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can include over the counter medication like aspirin and ibuprofen and other prescription medication. Aspirin can be effective for some to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Both the use of prescription and nonprescription NSAIDs are good for many individuals with psoriatic arthritis in helping with swelling, pain and stiffness in the morning, and with increasing range of motion of joints. They can assist in reducing the limitations to daily activities often caused by arthritis.

With prolonged use of some types of NSAIDs there is a chance of stomach issues like ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The probability is in relation to the strength of the medication and length of time it is used. There are NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors that have been shown to cause less stomach issues than other types. Although equally effective for pain and inflammation they do cost more and they have their individual associated risks. If you are interested chat with your doctor. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used for psoriatic arthritis treatment of more severe symptoms with the aim of slowing or stopping joint and tissue damage and the overall progression.

Systemic medication that is prescription based is another form of psoriatic arthritis treatment. Usually reserved for moderate to severe cases of psorisis and arthritis people. These systemic medications may be helpful for those that are previously unresponsive or unable to partake in topical medications or UV light therapy. Usually taken orally in pills or liquid they also come in injections.