Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

Any form of arthritis can be difficult to manage and could have a huge impact on a patient’s quality of life. Psoriatic arthritis is especially tricky to treat. The good news for residents of San Antonio, TX, Windcrest, TX, and other nearby communities who suffer from psoriatic arthritis is that they can work with Dr. Jeffrey Feinstein, Dr. Kenneth DesRosier, and Dr. Thomas Hoffmann at Rheumatology Solutions.

A Closer Look at Arthritis and Its Forms

Arthritis refers to joint swelling and tenderness, which can produce chronic pain that often gets worse with time (assuming no treatment is implemented). There are two main categorizations of arthritis. First, there’s osteoarthritis, which is perhaps the most familiar form of arthritis. This form of the disease occurs as cartilage in the joints breaks down due to wear and tear and the like.

Then there’s rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the body’s immune system starts to attack healthy cells in the joints. This causes damage and can produce inflammation and tenderness. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of rheumatoid arthritis that occurs among people who have psoriasis, which is a skin disease.

Folks with psoriasis experience rashes and other skin issues, often on the knees and/or elbows. We’re still learning about this condition, but it’s generally viewed as an autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, it’s often accompanied by arthritis, hence the name psoriatic arthritis. These conditions can combine to cause a lot of chronic pain and may limit your mobility.

Are you looking for assistance with psoriatic arthritis in San Antonio, TX? The team at Rheumatology Solutions, including Dr. Feinstein, Dr. DesRosier, and Dr. Hoffmann, can help you and your loved ones.

Treating Psoriatic Arthritis

Autoimmune diseases can be very difficult to treat. Often, medications work together with the immune system to address an issue, but in autoimmune systems, medication and the immune system often seem to be at odds.

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, but treatment options make the disease easier to manage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation, and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow damage to the joints. Steroid injections and immunosuppressants can also protect the joints and calm overactive immune systems.

There’s no one-size fits all approach to psoriatic arthritis and other forms of arthritis, for that matter. It’s crucial for qualified medical practitioners to closely study your specific situation. From there, experts can craft custom treatment plans tailored to your condition and needs.

Need help managing psoriatic arthritis in San Antonio, TX, and Windcrest, TX? Dial (210) 590 9596 to reach Rheumatology Solutions. Dr. Feinstein, Dr. DesRosier, and Dr. Hoffmann have helped countless people manage and address arthritis.