Psoriatic arthritis: addressing the root causes of joint pain and skin inflammation

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from person to person, but they usually involve inflammation of the joints. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints, and reduced range of movement.

Other symptoms may include:

• pain in the tendons
• thick or coloured fingernails or toenails
• pain or redness in the eyes

Many people find that their symptoms come and go. They may worsen during a “flare-up” and then improve during remission.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The severity of the condition can range from mild to severe, and there is no guaranteed correlation between the severity of skin disease and arthritic involvement. Some patients may have severe skin disease but no arthritis, while others with arthritis may have only minimal skin disease.

If psoriatic arthritis is left untreated, it can lead to joint damage and deformity. This can cause significant pain and disability. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, heart, and lungs.

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

It’s believed that people with a family history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop the condition. Researchers have also discovered certain genetic markers that may be linked to psoriatic arthritis.

Physical trauma or environmental factors (like a viral or bacterial infection) may trigger psoriatic arthritis in people with a family history.

Gut health is involved in psoriatic arthritis in a few ways. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, is one way. People with psoriatic arthritis are found to have a less diverse microbiome. This can lead to inflammation and other problems. Intestinal hyperpermeability, or “leaky gut”, is another way gut health is involved in psoriatic arthritis. This means that there are gaps in the intestines that allow bacteria and other substances to leak out. This can also lead to inflammation. Treating gut health issues can help reduce symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

Risk factors

Some people are more at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis than others. Factors that may increase your risk include:

• Having a family member with psoriatic arthritis or another autoimmune condition
• Having the genetic mutation HLA-B27
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Having a history of psoriasis
• Having HIV/AIDS
• Stress
• Certain infections, such as streptococcal infection

Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Men and women are affected equally.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis – the conventional approach

There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Conventional psoriatic arthritis treatment in Australia typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

The goals of treatment are to:

• relieve pain and swelling
• reduce inflammation
• prevent joint damage
• immune suppression
• improve quality of life

Medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs can help reduce pain and swelling. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve).

Corticosteroids. These drugs can be taken orally or injected into joints to help reduce inflammation.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs can slow the progression of joint damage and improve symptoms. Common DMARDs include methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).

Biologic agents. Biologic agents are newer DMARDs that target specific parts of the immune system to help reduce inflammation. Common biologics used to treat psoriatic arthritis include adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These include:

• Exercise: Exercise can help reduce pain and stiffness, increase range of motion, and improve overall fitness
• Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the stress on joints
• Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to painful joints can help relieve symptoms
• Splinting or bracing: Wearing splints or braces can help support and protect joints

Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve range of motion and reduce pain. Occupational therapy can help people with psoriatic arthritis learn new ways to perform daily tasks and cope with the symptoms of the condition.

For severe cases of psoriatic arthritis, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace joints. Surgery is typically only considered when other treatments have failed. The conventional approach to treating psoriatic arthritis has its limitations. NSAIDs and corticosteroids can cause side effects such as stomach upset, ulcers, and kidney problems. DMARDs can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, lung inflammation, and nerve damage. Biologic agents can also cause side effects, such as injection site reactions and an increased risk of infections.

Lifestyle changes and physical therapy can help reduce symptoms, but they may not be enough to prevent joint damage. Surgery is typically only considered as a last resort.

When it comes to treating psoriatic arthritis in Australia, people seek out psoriatic arthritis specialists or help with healing psoriatic arthritis naturally, because of the potential side effects of conventional treatments. Functional medicine focuses on treating the underlying causes of disease, rather than just the symptoms. This approach may help to reduce the need for medication and surgery.

The functional medicine approach to psoriatic arthritis

At Melbourne Functional Medicine, our functional medicine specialists provide a personalised approach to each person with psoriatic arthritis. We assess gut health, nutrient status, and identify triggers and drivers of the disease. Our goal is to treat the underlying causes of psoriatic arthritis and help our patients achieve long-term remission.

Functional medicine starts with an in-depth history taking, which will look at medical history, genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, diet, medications, and more to determine what the root cause triggers may be.

There are a variety of functional medicine tests that can be used to investigate factors that could be sustaining or contributing to the immune system behaving in a pro-inflammatory way. Tests can help to assess gut health, nutrient status, and inflammation levels. Some of the tests we often use include stool analysis, food sensitivity testing, and blood work. These tests can help us to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of psoriatic arthritis and leads to lasting improvements in symptoms and overall health.

Your functional medicine practitioner will design a detailed, personalised, holistic plan for psoriatic arthritis with targeted herbal, lifestyle, and supplemental medicine and dietary changes to address psoriatic arthritis.

Herbal medicine can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function. Herbs used may include:

• Curcumin
• Capsaicin
• Boswellia
• Ginger

Nutritional supplementation may include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, are anti-inflammatory and have been shown to be effective in treating psoriatic arthritis. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that omega-3 fatty acids were effective in reducing pain and improving joint function in people with psoriatic arthritis
• Vitamin D deficiency is often found in people with psoriatic arthritis. Vitamin D is important for bone health and helps to reduce inflammation. Supplementation with vitamin D is often required for people with psoriatic arthritis and our practitioners can help with testing and supplementation

Dietary changes

Dietary changes are an important part of the treatment plan for psoriatic arthritis. Avoiding inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help to reduce symptoms and promote healing. Functional medicine food testing can also help identify unique dietary drivers that may be contributing to psoriatic arthritis.

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet with nutrient-dense foods is helpful for people with psoriatic arthritis. This type of diet can help to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and improve overall health. Foods that are anti-inflammatory and good for people with psoriatic arthritis include fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and ginger.

Exercise

Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can help to prevent joint stiffness, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce pain. Exercise is an important part of the treatment plan for psoriatic arthritis to reduce negative impacts on range of motion and flexibility.

Stress reduction

People with psoriatic arthritis often experience stress associated with the condition. Stress can worsen symptoms and lead to flare-ups, as stress contributes to immune dysfunction. Improving stress adaptation on your own can be difficult, and requires building new habits and behaviours, which is a strong focus at our clinic, and one of the reasons why our patients work with a health coach to manage their stress. Stress management and relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help to reduce stress and promote healing.

Improving sleep

Sleep patterns in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are often compromised, making fatigue a common symptom. One global study showed that 40 percent of participants said they didn’t get quality sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for people with psoriatic arthritis because it helps to reduce stress, promote healing, and improve overall health.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown to be effective in treating psoriatic arthritis. Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response and can help to reduce pain, improve joint function, and promote healing. Because of the benefits, we often refer our patients to acupuncturists for treatment.

Optimising gut health

Optimising gut health is often a key part of treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Improving the microbiome with prebiotics and probiotics, and repairing the intestinal mucosa (leaky gut) can help to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and improve overall health.

At Melbourne Functional Medicine, we also seek to address psoriasis in our patients with psoriatic arthritis. Our personalised treatment plans often involve treating psoriasis with topical creams and ointments, recommendations for using light therapy, and natural medicines. By addressing both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, our patients can experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall health.

Our holistic approach combines expert guidance with hands-on support to help patients achieve lasting health. Each patient works with a practitioner to develop a personalised treatment plan, while a dedicated health coach provides ongoing support to implement it effectively. With regular check-ins, tailored strategies, and access to our online community for motivation, our empowers patients to take control of their health. Designed to effectively treat psoriatic arthritis and enhance overall well-being, this comprehensive approach helps patients feel their best – inside and out.

If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for psoriatic arthritis in Australia, our team at Melbourne Functional Medicine can help. We are specialists in treating psoriatic arthritis and can create a personalised treatment plan to address the underlying causes of your symptoms. Our holistic approach to care is designed to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Contact us today to learn more about our approach and how we can help you achieve your health goals.

Ready for a personalised, natural functional medicine treatment?

Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today