What Kind of Doctor Treats Psoriatic Arthritis?

From healthcentral.com

Rheumatologists and dermatologists are the primary doctors for this condition, but you may require additional experts to treat PsA complications

You may know psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as a joint and skin condition, but this disease can cause symptoms from head to toe. The unpredictable nature of psoriatic arthritis symptoms that can come and go without explanation is frustrating. So it’s no surprise that managing your condition may require a team of health care experts with varying skills. Rheumatologists and dermatologists may end up being your go-to PsA providers, but you may recruit others to your team in order to reach your wellness goals.

Some of the various psoriatic arthritis doctors and other experts you may work with to treat this complex condition include:

• General Practitioner (overall health care)

• Cardiologist (heart specialist)

• Dermatologist (skin specialist)

• Gastroenterologist (gut specialist)

• Nutritionist (diet specialist)

• Occupational Therapist (everyday activity specialist)

• Ophthalmologist (eye specialist)

• Physical Therapist (movement specialist)

• Psychologist (mental health specialist)

• Rheumatologist (autoimmune specialist)

Let’s take a closer look at the professionals you’ll be relying on most and how they may be able to help you better manage your psoriatic arthritis.

Primary Care Providers

It’s likely that before your PsA diagnosis, you had a general practitioner (a.k.a. GP or family doctor) who you saw on a regular basis. With a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, it’s important to continue your relationship and not to lose contact with your GP, says Eric Ascher, M.D., a family medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“Your general practitioner will keep a large and detailed history so they are able to ensure your other medical conditions are being monitored and be sure your medications will not interact with psoriatic arthritis treatment plans from specialists, like a rheumatologist,” he explains. Your general practitioner will likely see you in closer intervals than you see your specialists, Dr. Ascher adds, so they will able to keep close tabs on your treatment.

Research suggests that strong communication with your doctor improves treatment outcomes, and that starts with your primary care doctor. “One of the most important reasons to follow up with a primary care doctor is for the physician-patient relationship,” says Dr. Ascher. “Patients will likely feel comfortable sharing and opening up.”

Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who completed extra training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases (a.k.a. rheumatic diseases). Their role in the care of your psoriatic arthritis is to diagnose what type of disease you have and then treat it with nonsurgical methods, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Because psoriatic arthritis medications often require a trial-and-error process, your rheumatologist will follow your progress throughout the year to determine if any change in your treatment is needed.

Dermatologists

Psoriatic arthritis affects about one in three people with the skin condition psoriasis. This means that there is a good chance your skin is involved in your PsA symptoms. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail issues, so if you had psoriasis first, your dermatologist may also have been the first to diagnose your psoriatic arthritis. If you start a new treatment for your psoriatic arthritis, you’ll want to keep your dermatologist in the loop to monitor your skin, hair, and nails.

Other Doctors Who Treat Psoriatic Arthritis

Along with your core team of medical experts, you may need to branch out and include one of these providers in the mix, depending on your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Cardiologist

The inflammation that you feel in your joints may also impact your cardiovascular system. That’s why individuals with psoriatic arthritis have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and more cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. This means that even if you are relatively young with PsA, a regular check-in with a cardiologist, or heart doctor, may be necessary.

Gastroenterologist

People with psoriatic disease have a up to a four-fold increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to the general population, according to the journal Frontiers. The likely reason: The same inflammatory response that is triggered by your immune system to cause PsA symptoms is also responsible for aggravating your digestive system in conditions like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. A gastroenterologist is trained to diagnose and treat digestive diseases, including these types of IBD.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who treat conditions of the eye. Bringing an ophthalmologist onto your health care team may be beneficial. Over 40% of people with psoriatic disease develop uveitis (a.k.a. inflammation of the eye) during their lifetime. So it’s important when you go for your regular eye exam to let your eye doctor know that you have PsA.

Who Helps With Daily Psoriatic Arthritis Challenges?

Beyond regular check-ups with your general practitioner and specialty health care providers, there are resources available to help you manage the day-to-day challenges of your condition.

Psychologist

“Mental health providers can make a big difference for those with chronic diseases like psoriatic arthritis,” says Naomi Torres-Mackie, M.D., a clinical psychologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Dr. Torres-Mackie says that adjusting to a chronic medical diagnosis can be difficult, and therapy is known to be effective in this area. “Psychotherapists can help those with PsA learn coping skills to manage social or generalised anxiety, depressive feelings, and/or low self-image associated with their diagnosis,” she explains.

Who should you look for to join your team? Dr. Torres-Mackie recommends social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists who have training in psychotherapy for mental health symptoms related to chronic illness.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists can help you improve your movement and manage pain. A 2022 review of physical therapy for psoriatic arthritis concluded that physical therapy helped people with PsA improve their strength, cardiovascular condition, and range of motion, while decreasing pain associated with the chronic disease. Your general practitioner may have a recommendation for a physical therapist. The American Physical Therapy Association also has a locator option on their website.

Nutritionist

Gut conditions, intestinal inflammation, and psoriatic arthritis are linked together, says Megan Hilbert, R.D.N., with Top Nutrition Coaching in Madison, WI. “If you have PsA, a registered dietitian can help you determine what foods can promote inflammation in your body—like added sugars, fried foods, refined carbohydrates—and what foods can help reduce inflammation, like dark leafy greens, nuts or seeds, and berries,” she says.

Changes in eating habits can be an overwhelming thought for many people, which is why a registered dietitian may be useful on your team. “A registered dietitian can also help come up with an individualized diet for you that can help remove trigger foods and promote a healthy gut microbiome,” Hilbert explains. How do you get started? Hilbert suggests reaching out to your general practitioner for a referral or checking out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics locator to find an expert who may be a good match for you.

Why Do You Need More Than One Doctor for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic and progressive condition that can extend beyond your skin and joints. That’s why a multidisciplinary approach is essential for the best health outcomes. From dermatologists to cardiologists, each provider can bring the latest knowledge in their field to ensure that all of your concerns are being addressed.

How to Choose the Right Doctors

Your go-to providers will be the first resources to help you build your health care team. Talk with your GP, rheumatologist, and dermatologist about your needs: They will know your medical history and personal preferences better than anyone. And don’t forget to ask the nurses in their offices for recommendations—they often have their ears to the ground and can tell you what they have heard. Your insurance provider may also be a good resource to determine which specialty providers are both nearby and participate in your plan.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/doctor-psoriatic-arthritis 

10 Foods You Should Never Eat if You Have Arthritis

From maxmymoney.org

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While medication and exercise can help manage symptoms, diet is crucial in controlling inflammation and reducing pain. Recently people shared several foods that people with arthritis should avoid.

Red Meat

While a juicy steak might be tempting, red meat consumption should be limited for individuals with arthritis. It contains high levels of purines, contributing to inflammation and worsening arthritis symptoms. However, lean cuts of meat can still be enjoyed in moderation.

High-Fat Dairy

Milk, cheese, and butter are well-known for their high saturated fat content. These fats can potentially increase inflammation, perhaps worsening arthritis symptoms. Opting for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives can be a healthier choice.

Foods High in Omega-6s

Although omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for the body, an imbalance with omega-3 fatty acids can cause inflammation. Foods rich in omega-6s, such as vegetable oils (like corn, soybean, and sunflower oil), processed snacks, and fried foods, should be limited. Striking a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for joint health.

Salt

Excessive salt consumption can cause water retention and inflammation in the body. For individuals with arthritis, reducing salt consumption is recommended. Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks are common sources of high sodium, so opting for fresh, whole foods and using herbs and spices for flavouring can be a healthier alternative.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Foods and beverages that contain high sugar, such as sodas, sugary snacks, and desserts, can contribute to inflammation and weight gain. Excessive sugar intake may also increase the risk of developing certain types of arthritis. Eating healthier alternatives, like fruits or naturally sweetened options, can help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.

Fried Foods

Fried foods, including french fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried delicacies, often contain unhealthy fats and calories. The frying process can generate harmful compounds that promote inflammation in the body. Limiting the consumption of fried foods can help alleviate arthritis symptoms and promote better joint health.

Canned Foods

Canned foods like soups, sauces, and processed meats often contain high sodium levels and preservatives. These additives can trigger inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms. Choosing fresh, whole foods over canned alternatives allows for better control of sodium intake and reduces exposure to potentially harmful additives.

Alcohol

While moderate alcohol consumption may not pose significant risks for everyone, excessive alcohol intake can contribute to inflammation and joint pain. Alcohol can also interact with medications commonly used to manage arthritis, potentially diminishing their effectiveness. Alcohol consumption and its influence on individual arthritis therapy should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner.

Refined Carbs

Refined carbs, including white bread, pasta, pastries, and sugary cereals, are processed extensively, removing their natural fibre and minerals. These refined carbs can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, leading to increased inflammation in the body. Opting for whole grain alternatives like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa can provide more nutritional value and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Processed Foods

Processed foods, such as pre-packaged meals, snacks, and fast food items, are typically loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, unhealthy fats, and high sodium levels. These components can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact joint health. Choosing fresh, whole foods and cooking meals from scratch whenever possible allows for better control over ingredients and helps reduce the intake of harmful additives.

https://maxmymoney.org/10-foods-you-should-never-eat-if-you-have-arthritis/

3 Ways To Combat Joint Stiffness

From blackdoctor.org

If you’re familiar with the Tin Man from the classic film “The Wiz” then you understand what morning joint stiffness feels like. You are quite literally “stuck” and it becomes hard to move, hard to walk, hard to do just about anything. Remember how stiff and jerky the Tin Man’s movements were until he got oiled up? Consider these tips your “oil” to help get you going in the morning. Read on to discover how to beat morning stiffness!

Your morning sets the tone for your entire day. So it’s understandably frustrating when there’s so much to be done and you can’t even get out of bed. This is what most people with rheumatoid arthritis daily experience. And maybe even you thanks to poor sleep, a janky mattress, or simply just getting older. 

Morning stiffness is the main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition that causes pain and inflammation in the hands, wrists, knees and ankles. When experiencing morning stiffness, your joints may feel tight and pop or creak as you get out of bed. You might have trouble doing routine things like brushing your teeth or pouring your coffee. It could take an hour or more for the pain and stiffness to ease up. But it doesn’t have to be debilitating! 

Keep Pain Medicine Near The Bed

Take your pain medicine an hour before you get out of bed. This will take some planning but don’t rush to your feet when you wake up. You may need to set your alarm for an hour earlier than your usual wake time. 

Have a snack and a glass of water on hand to put something on your stomach, take your medicine, and relax. Do something soothing in bed before starting your day. Or roll over and catch a few more Zzzs before waking up at your normal time. When you do get up and moving, the pain medicine should start to kick in and relieve some of the discomfort.

Gentle Stretches In Bed

This step should take no more than five minutes. Before you hop out of bed for the day, try these soft stretches to warm your muscles and joints and improve mobility. 

Wrist Extension

• Hold arms straight in front of you with palms facing down
• Make fists with your hands
• Flex wrists so that your fists move downward, then extend wrists so that your fists move up and back toward you

Repeat 10 to 20 times. If shoulder joint pain makes it difficult to keep the arms raised, lower them to a more comfortable angle.

Elbow Stretch

• Lie on your back next to the edge of the bed. Let your forearm and hand hang off the bed relaxed, palm up. Only your upper arm should be on the bed.
• Gently straighten your arm fully until you feel a stretch in the elbow. Keep your hand relaxed.
• Hold for 30 seconds. Then relax your arm.

Ankle Extension

• Straighten the legs
• Extend the ankles, so that the toes point away from the body
• Flex the ankles, so that toes move back and toward you

Repeat 10 to 20 times.

This stretch may help relieve swelling if it is done while feet are elevated—for example, lying down while feet rest on a pillow. If done standing, this stretch can help strengthen the ankle joints.

Toe Curls

• Curl all the toes down, toward the sole of the foot
• Slowly uncurl toes and then extend them up and back, towards the top of the foot

Use A Heating Pad

If you add this step into your routine, it might help to do it before you stretch. Heat treatments enhance circulation to soothe stiff joints and tired muscles, making physical activity easier and less painful.

Electric heating pads work well and would make it easier for you to stay in bed until your joints feel warmed up. DIY options, however, work just as well.

You can take a thick sock filled with uncooked rice or a similar substance and heat it in the microwave for no more than one minute. You can also microwave a damp towel and place it on the stiff area. 

Raise The Temperature

Here are some other ways you can keep your problem areas warmed up if morning stiffness follows once you get out of bed. 

• Literally, raise the temperature in the home.
• Take a hot shower.
• Put your clothes in the dryer before putting them on.
• Use pocket warmers or heat packs for your hands.

Slow and steady in the morning is key for those of us living with rheumatoid arthritis. Take some time to practice your breathing, which will reduce stress and pain down the line. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with daily tasks. Take it easy, and be well.

https://blackdoctor.org/3-ways-to-combat-joint-stiffness/

Gardening with arthritis

From aspirus.org

Done properly, gardening can be a great exercise for those living with arthritis.

If you have arthritis, just bending over to pull a weed can seem like a day's work. But a few simple techniques and tools can help restore the joy of gardening and ease the pain.

In fact, this hobby can actually improve your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says gardening is a great low-impact aerobic exercise for people with arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation offers these tips to ease arthritis pain when gardening:

Bring the garden to you.

• Sit on a stool or chair to be closer to your work.
• Plant your flowers or vegetables in containers and put them in convenient places.
• Have a raised bed built. Make sure it's high enough to be comfortable for you.
• Attach hanging outdoor plants to pulleys so that they can be lowered for watering or pruning.
• Grow climbing varieties of peas and beans on a trellis for easy harvesting.

Use the right gear.

• Wear a tool belt or apron with big pockets for your supplies.
• Try tools with telescoping handles that adjust to your sitting or standing positions. Some tools are designed to easily increase pruning force.

Protect yourself.

• Use knee pads or a foam kneeling pad.
• Buy tools with enlarged handles for easier gripping or pad them yourself with foam tubing or a self-adhesive bandage.

Make your garden work for you.

• Create wide paths for easy access.
  
• Spread straw or other mulch around plants to conserve moisture and use soaker hoses for more efficient watering.
• Sprinkle the garden with water before you weed. Weeding is easier in damp earth.
• Buy young plants instead of seeds and choose perennials if you don't enjoy replanting in the spring.

Take it easy.

• It's easy to overdo it when you're enjoying yourself. You can avoid problems by checking with your doctor first and then listening to your body. Pace yourself and take a rest now and then. There's no better place than a garden to stop and smell the roses.

If you have pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints, it might be time to talk to a doctor. To find an orthopaedic provider near you, visit aspirus.org/orthopedics.

https://www.aspirus.org/press-room/gardening-with-arthritis-4511 

What people with arthritis should do regularly to reduce inflammation and live healthily

From ng.opera.news

To reduce inflammation and live a healthy life with arthritis, Healthline recommends the following regular practices.

Exercise: Engage in regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling. These activities can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce inflammation. Consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop an appropriate exercise routine.

Maintain A Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put strain on joints, leading to increased inflammation and pain. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals with arthritis can reduce stress on their joints and improve overall well-being.

Follow An Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods that are known to reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Avoid or limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and red meat, as they may promote inflammation.

Apply Hot And Cold Therapies: Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help alleviate inflammation and pain. Heat therapy (such as warm baths or heating pads) can relax muscles and promote blood circulation, while cold therapy (such as ice packs or cold compresses) can reduce swelling and numb pain.

Practice Stress Management: Stress can worsen arthritis symptoms. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or pursuing hobbies can help manage stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Get Sufficient Rest: Ensure you get enough rest and quality sleep to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Follow Medication And Treatment Plans: Adhere to prescribed medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs as directed by your healthcare professional. Additionally, follow any other treatment plans, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, to manage symptoms effectively.

Regular medical check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals are vital to monitor arthritis progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly. 

https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/health/a7d2f7b1f228d7fc7cd99d7d73c28481

Is Walking Good for Hip Arthritis?

From verywellhealth.com

Hip arthritis results from the breakdown of cartilage within your hip joints, causing hip stiffness and pain that can increase with inactivity, standing, and walking. Although walking can be uncomfortable and difficult with hip arthritis, walking is also incredibly important for maintaining the mobility and strength of your hips. 

This article will review the benefits of walking, how to get up and moving when you have pain from hip arthritis, and the types of assistive devices you can use to help you walk.

Mayur Kakade / Getty Images

Walking Is Good for Arthritis

Walking is a beneficial form of exercise, including for those with arthritis. Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can help ease joint pain and stiffness, improve strength and mobility, and boost energy and endurance.

Starting slowly and limiting the duration of your walks is important as your body needs time to adjust to increased physical activity. Too much activity too soon can overwork your joints and can lead to increased pain.

Walking for five to 10 minutes at a time is a good starting point, as you gradually increase the length of time that you walk as time goes on. 

Before starting any walking routine or exercise program, consult your healthcare provider to ensure you are healthy enough to increase your physical activity demands.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Increased joint pain
• Joint redness, swelling, or warmth
• Persistent fatigue

Benefits vs. Risks

Benefits of walking include:

• Increased mobility 
• Increased strength
• Increased endurance
• Improved balance
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Maintenance of a healthy weight 

Potential risks of walking if performed too much or for too long without adequate risk include:

• Increased joint pain 
• Increased joint stiffness
• Muscle soreness
  

 How To Exercise When You Have Arthritis

Warm-Up Stretches for Arthritic Hips

Hip arthritis can cause your hip joints to become stiff and your muscles to become tight, which can have a noticeable impact on your hip range of motion and ability to move your legs. Warming up your hip joints through stretching and range of motion exercises can help decrease hip pain and stiffness to make walking more comfortable.

Stretches and range of motion exercises you can perform to warm up your hip joints include:

• Touching your toes 
• Marching in place
• Leg swings forward and backward
• Sideways leg swings
• Hip circles 
• Bodyweight squats
• Bodyweight lunges

Exercise Challenges With Hip Arthritis 

Hip arthritis can make weight-bearing activities—those that involve standing on your feet—more challenging due to increased pressure within your hip joints as they support your body weight. Because of this, many types of exercises can be uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes even harmful for your hips depending on the extent of your hip arthritis.

Hip Exercises to Avoid

High-impact activities like running and jumping can cause increased stress on your leg joints, especially arthritic joints, when surrounding muscles cannot adequately support and stabilize your joints. With hip arthritis, avoid these types of activities to reduce stress to your hip joints.

Other Types of Exercise to Ease Into

To take the pressure off of your hips, it is best to start with non-weight-bearing exercises to help strengthen your surrounding hip muscles. These exercises include leg-strengthening exercises that involve having you sit in a chair or lie down to ease pressure off of your hip joints. Over time, your muscles will increase in strength and will be able to better support your hip joints. 

Other types of low-impact exercises that are easy on your joints and can help improve your mobility, strength, and range of motion include:

• Walking
• Bicycling
• Water aerobics
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai chi
• Elliptical machine

Walking Devices and Support Tools for Hip Arthritis 

Depending on the severity of your hip arthritis, an assistive device like a walker or cane can help you get around. A walker or cane provides the extra support to maintain your balance by giving you something to hold onto.

This is particularly important as hip arthritis often leads to weakness in the surrounding glute muscles that provide stability to your hip and help you maintain your balance when you stand, walk, and change directions.

Using a walker or cane also helps to take some pressure off your hip joints by using your arms to support your body weight. This can make walking less painful.

Summary 

Having hip arthritis can make walking difficult and painful, but walking is important in maintaining your hip mobility and strength. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your hips and using an assistive device like a walker or cane can help provide more support to your hips to make walking easier and more comfortable.

Whenever beginning a new walking program, check with your healthcare provider and start off slowly to prevent overworking your joints.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How far should you walk in a day if you have hip arthritis?

  Walking should be limited to a short distance or duration at first to allow your body to adjust to walking for an extended period of time. Start by walking for five to 10 minutes and gradually increase the length of time. You can increase the distance or time that you walk as long as you have no pain and can tolerate walking comfortably.

• Which medications work best for hip arthritis?

  Medications that can be used to help manage symptoms of hip arthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections.
• What are hip arthritis triggers?

  Triggers for hip arthritis include overuse, high-impact activities, weight gain, and prolonged standing, sitting, or lying down.

 https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-walking-good-for-hip-arthritis-6386384