Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 30% of people with psoriasis, causing inflammation and pain in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis can cause hand pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Managing hand pain is crucial for individuals with psoriatic arthritis to maintain their ability to perform daily activities. In this article, “How to Relieve Psoriatic Arthritis Pain in Hands” we will explore various treatments, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and coping strategies that can help alleviate hand pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
From medication to physical therapy to natural remedies, we will examine the different options available for managing hand pain and provide tips for coping with this chronic condition. By following the advice outlined in this article and working with a healthcare provider, individuals with psoriatic arthritis can find relief and improve their overall well-being.
Medications and Treatments
Medications and treatments are essential for managing hand pain caused by psoriatic arthritis. There are several types of medications and treatments available that can help alleviate pain and inflammation in the joints.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are a common treatment option for psoriatic arthritis hand pain. These medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce inflammation and pain.
However, they may cause side effects such as stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
DMARDs are a type of medication that can slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis and reduce joint damage. Commonly prescribed DMARDs include methotrexate and sulfasalazine. However, they may also cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and liver damage.
Biologic agents
Biologic agents are a type of medication that target specific molecules in the immune system to reduce inflammation.
Commonly prescribed biologic agents for psoriatic arthritis include adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab. These medications may cause side effects such as infections, allergic reactions, and injection site reactions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another treatment option for psoriatic arthritis hand pain. A physical therapist can design an exercise program tailored to a person’s needs to help improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and increase strength.
Physical therapy can also help with pain management by using techniques such as ice and heat therapy.
Read More: Why is Physical Therapy Not Helping Shoulder Pain?
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is another treatment option for psoriatic arthritis hand pain. An occupational therapist can work with a person to identify activities that cause pain and develop strategies to modify these activities.
Additionally, they may recommend assistive devices such as splints or braces to support the joints and reduce pain.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing psoriatic arthritis hand pain. Making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce inflammation, improve overall health, and help alleviate hand pain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the burden on the joints and reduce inflammation. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis should aim to achieve a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve joint flexibility and strength, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling are ideal for individuals with psoriatic arthritis.
Avoid Triggers
Certain foods and environmental factors can trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including hand pain. It’s important to identify these triggers and avoid them as much as possible. Common triggers include alcohol, processed foods, and stress.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress can exacerbate psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including hand pain. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help alleviate stress and reduce hand pain.
Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate hand pain. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into a person’s diet may provide additional relief from hand pain.
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Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can be a complementary treatment option for managing psoriatic arthritis hand pain. While natural remedies may not be a substitute for medical treatment, they may provide additional relief from hand pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate hand pain. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement or added to food as a spice.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate hand pain. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into a person’s diet may provide additional relief from hand pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture may help alleviate hand pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers that has a pain-relieving effect. Applying capsaicin cream to the hands may provide relief from hand pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
Massage
Massage can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and alleviate hand pain. A trained massage therapist can use techniques such as Swedish massage or deep tissue massage to provide relief from hand pain.
Read More: Shoulder Pain Due to Air Conditioning
Coping Strategies
Coping strategies can be an effective way to manage psoriatic arthritis hand pain. Coping strategies can help individuals with psoriatic arthritis maintain their independence, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life.
Use Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as splints, braces, and adaptive equipment can help support the joints and reduce hand pain.
Individuals with psoriatic arthritis can work with an occupational therapist to identify the most appropriate assistive devices for their needs.
Adjust Work Habits
Adjusting work habits can help reduce hand pain caused by psoriatic arthritis. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis can modify their work environment by using ergonomic equipment and taking frequent breaks to rest their hands.
Seek Support
Seeking support from friends and family can help individuals with psoriatic arthritis cope with hand pain.
Support groups and online forums can also provide a supportive community for individuals with psoriatic arthritis.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for individuals with psoriatic arthritis. Engaging in activities such as meditation, yoga, and massage can help reduce stress and alleviate hand pain. Additionally, individuals with psoriatic arthritis should prioritize rest and avoid overexertion.
Maintain a Positive Outlook
Maintaining a positive outlook can help individuals with psoriatic arthritis cope with hand pain. Focusing on the positive aspects of life and finding joy in hobbies and activities can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Conclusion
Psoriatic arthritis hand pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it crucial to manage the symptoms effectively.
The article explored several treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and coping strategies, which can provide relief from hand pain caused by psoriatic arthritis.
By working with a healthcare provider, individuals can develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their needs, medical history, and personal preferences.
It’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and individuals may need to try different treatment options before finding what works best for them.
With proper treatment and self-care, individuals with psoriatic arthritis can manage their hand pain and improve their overall well-being.
FAQs
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It can develop in individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes scaly patches on the skin.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis hand pain?
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis hand pain include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
What medications can help alleviate psoriatic arthritis hand pain?
Medications commonly used to treat psoriatic arthritis hand pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents.
What lifestyle changes can help alleviate psoriatic arthritis hand pain?
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding triggers, reducing stress, and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet can help alleviate psoriatic arthritis hand pain.
What natural remedies can provide relief from psoriatic arthritis hand pain?
Natural remedies such as turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, acupuncture, capsaicin, and massage may provide additional relief from psoriatic arthritis hand pain.
What are some coping strategies for managing psoriatic arthritis hand pain?
Coping strategies for managing psoriatic arthritis hand pain include using assistive devices, adjusting work habits, seeking support, practicing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook.
Can psoriatic arthritis hand pain be cured?
There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but proper treatment and self-care can help manage the symptoms effectively.
How to ease psoriatic arthritis pain?
Lifestyle changes, medication, physical therapy, natural remedies, and coping strategies can help ease psoriatic arthritis pain.
How to treat psoriatic arthritis pain?
The treatment for psoriatic arthritis pain depends on the severity of symptoms. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and coping strategies.
How to get psoriatic arthritis hand pain relief?
Assistive devices, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, natural remedies, and coping strategies can help provide psoriatic arthritis hand pain relief.
How to get psoriatic arthritis shoulder pain relief?
Medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and coping strategies can help provide psoriatic arthritis shoulder pain relief.
What helps psoriatic arthritis pain?
Assistive devices, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and coping strategies can all help alleviate psoriatic arthritis pain. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs and medical history.
Medical References
- Mayo Clinic. Psoriatic arthritis: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354076
- Arthritis Foundation. Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/psoriatic-arthritis
- American College of Rheumatology. Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriatic-arthritis
- Cameron, M., Gagnier, J. J., & Chrubasik, S. (2014). Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5, CD002948.
- Lee, M. S., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2007). Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology, 46(3), 380-384.
- Wang, C., de Pablo, P., Chen, X., Schmidlin, C. J., & McAlindon, T. E. (2017). Acupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatology International, 37(7), 1113-1123.
