Treatments

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments

Your physician will determine your specific treatment for psoriatic arthritis based on:

• Your age, overall health and medical history
• The extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures and therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment usually involves treating both the skin condition and the joint inflammation. Some medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are also used to treat psoriatic arthritis, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms
• Vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, to slow bone deformation
• Immunosuppressive medications, such as methotrexate, to suppress inflammation if NSAIDs are not effective
• Biologic medications, such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors

Other treatments may include:

• Corticosteroids for inflammation
• Ultraviolet light treatment (UVB or PUVA) for the skin disease
• Splints
• Exercise
• Physical therapy to improve and maintain muscle and joint function
• Occupational therapy to improve the ability to perform activities of daily living
• Dermatology management of the psoriasis skin rash, if present
• Surgery to repair or replace a damaged joint, if warranted