What To Do When Faced With Early Signs Of Ra
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that in some cases, it may not be preventable. Medical professionals are not quite sure why RA starts or what can prevent it. However, it is linked with a variety of health conditions that may increase your likelihood of getting the disease. Namely, a large amount of inflammation in the body seems to trigger the immune system to start attacking healthy cells, leading to inflammation and deterioration in the joints.
According to Healthline, there are four risk factors that could increase a persons chance of developing RA.
First, women are more likely to develop RA than men. About 70 percent of all RA cases in the United States are women.
Secondly, many RA patients have specific human leukocyte antigen genes. However, not everyone with these genes develops RA.
Third, smoking has been linked with an increased risk of developing RA. Finally, leading a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight also increases a persons risk.
Therefore, by eliminating these problems, you reduce your risk of getting RA or seeing it progress further. Additionally, improving the immune system may help prevent further development of the disease. If you have early warning signs of arthritis, here is what you can do to slow or reverse the progression of the disease:
How I Healed From Psoriatic Arthritis By Radically Changing My Lifestyle
Today I have a very special guest post from an HMP reader who overcame Psoriatic Arthritis by changing his lifestyle.
His name is Zak Khan, and I think youre really going to dig his story.
Zak was diagnosed with a crippling autoimmune disease that made it impossible to live a normal life. After having a negative experience with the drugs from his doctor, he decided to create his own system to recover using lifestyle changes and natural medicine.
Ill let him explain it.
Enter Zak.
It was mid-2015, and I had just finished my first set of law examinations for the year. I was burning the midnight oil for the better half of 3 years, and my life revolved around books and computer screens.
Finally, I could take a breath of fresh air and just relax. Little did I know that my life would take a drastic turn and things were about to get a whole lot more challenging. It started with a dull nagging ache in my right hand, but I didnt suspect it to be anything serious.
For the first week or so, I just assumed the excessive amount of note-making and typing had finally caught up with me.
So, I popped into the doctors rooms and was prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication. Over the years, Id fall ill with the flu about 2 3 times, but it was never anything serious. Nothing a good old course of antibiotics couldnt fix, right?
I felt great!
I may not have been consuming bread, but I was running through servings of ice cream, chips, fast foods and sodas like a mad man.
Getting A Diagnosis Of Psoriatic Arthritis
The presence of psoriasis may provide an indication of psoriatic arthritis when someone develops joint symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis can develop in people with a lot or a little of psoriasis, and may be more common in people with nail psoriasis. As well as joint symptoms, psoriatic arthritis can lead to feeling tired. Many people become frustrated by a lack of diagnosis psoriatic arthritis tends to have periods of improvement and worsening, which may also be attributed to mechanical joint problems and not inflammatory arthritis.
If you have the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, your doctor will often refer you to a rheumatologist. In some cases, further tests and imagery may be sought, although this will depend on the individual circumstances and level of confidence in the initial diagnosis.
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Myth : Most People With Psoriatic Arthritis Eventually Require Surgery
Whether or not youll need surgery depends on many factors, including how early you get a diagnosis and how aggressively doctors treat your disease.
The good news is that most people with psoriatic arthritis wont ever have to have surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and should be able to manage the disease through a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications.
But if psoriatic arthritis has severely damaged your joints, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pain and restore function.
Additional reporting by Becky Upham.
What Can I Do To Help My Feet
The most important action is to seek advice and help when you notice any changes in your foot, whatever they may be. You can talk to your GP or local pharmacist for advice. Some problems can be resolved simply. For issues that are more persistent you may be referred to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, rheumatologist, physiotherapist, surgeon or chiropodist/podiatrist.
For general foot care, personal hygiene is important, particularly in avoiding fungal and viral infections. Change shoes and socks regularly, avoid shoes which are ill-fitting or cause bad posture. If you are overweight, losing weight could relieve the pressure on your joints and improve your walking gait.
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, develop a treatment regime that works for you often, applying treatment after a bath or shower, along with the use of an emollient, can make the process easier.
If you have nail involvement, keep nails trimmed and clean. If they are thick, try trimming them after soaking them in a bath or shower, as this makes them softer and easier to cut. Alternatively, seek an appointment with a chiropodist, which is often available via the NHS.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, it is important to rest inflamed joints. Sourcing footwear that supports the foot and helps to reduce the pressure on the inflamed areas can help, as can inner soles and orthotic supports. Once again, a chiropodist is best placed to advise you.
This article is adapted from The psoriatic foot leaflet.
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Spondylitis With Or Without Sacroiliitis
This occurs in approximately 5% of patients with psoriatic arthritis and has a male predominance.
Clinical evidence of spondylitis and/or sacroiliitis can occur in conjunction with other subgroups of psoriatic arthritis.
Spondylitis may occur without radiologic evidence of sacroiliitis, which frequently tends to be asymmetrical, or sacroiliitis may appear radiologically without the classic symptoms of morning stiffness in the lower back. Thus, the correlation between the symptoms and radiologic signs of sacroiliitis can be poor.
Vertebral involvement differs from that observed in ankylosing spondylitis. Vertebrae are affected asymmetrically, and the atlantoaxial joint may be involved with erosion of the odontoid and subluxation . Therapy may limit subluxation-associated disability.
Unusual radiologic features may be present, such as nonmarginal asymmetrical syndesmophytes , paravertebral ossification, and, less commonly, vertebral fusion with disk calcification.
Reversal Of Damage In Psoriatic Arthritis
Amir Haddad1, Ker-Ai Lee2, Arane Thavaneswaran1, Vinod Chandran1, Richard J. Cook2 and Dafna D. Gladman1, 1University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Session Type: Abstract Submissions
Background/Purpose
Psoriatic arthritis could lead to severe damage and disability. However, cases of improvement in joint damage over time have been reported in the literature. We aimed to determine the prevalence of damage reversal in a large cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis and to identify predictors of this unique feature.
Methods
Results
A number of patients have reversal in damage , which occurred in 1.7% of the assessed joints. Treatment with biologics is a predictor for joint improvement and less progression of damage. Transitions of joint improvement were observed also in patients not treated with biologics.
Disclosure:
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Is There Any Way To Slow Down Its Progression
While theres no way to reverse or cure psoriatic arthritis, there are several things you can do to slow its development. These tend to work best when started earlier rather than later. You may want to consider seeing a rheumatologist as well. This is a type of doctor that focuses on autoimmune conditions.
The first step in slowing down psoriatic arthritis is controlling joint inflammation. There are several types of medication that can help with this, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen , are a good starting place because theyre available over the counter. They help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Cortisone injections. Cortisone injections target inflammation in a single joint. They work quickly to reduce pain and swelling.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs . DMARDs, such as methotrexate , leflunomide , and sulfasalazine , work to slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis. While this can help to prevent permanent joint damage, these drugs have many potential side effects.
- Biologic agents.Biologics are a new generation of arthritis medications that use genetic engineering to target inflammation in the body. They can slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis and prevent joint damage.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, its also important to avoid putting added stress on your joints. This can involve:
How To Avoid A Psoriatic Arthritis Relapse
There’s no cure for PsA. Anti-rheumatic drugs don’t change the underlying fact that you’re affected by the disease. There may be places in your body where it still lingers even when your joints don’t feel painful or swollen.
Remission as a result of taking anti-TNF biologics or other medicines is drug-induced, so your doctor will likely recommend you stay on your medication. Three out of 4 people who stopped taking their disease-fighting medication in one small study had symptoms return within 6 months. Fortunately, starting their medication again restored remission.
Although some people can stay in psoriatic arthritis remission without drugs, it’s not common. If you want to try a lower dose or to stop taking a medicine once you’ve reached remission, you’ll need to work with your doctor closely. As soon as symptoms begin, you’ll need your medication again.
Changes in how you handle things in your daily life can also help prevent some PsA symptoms from returning. Some arthritis medications can cause fatigue, so pace yourself and stop to rest before you get tired. Protect your joints, keep your weight in check, and make regular joint-friendly exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking part of your routine.
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Can Ra Symptoms Be Reversed With Diet
Clint Paddison shares his journey about severe rheumatoid arthritis, and how he eliminated his RA symptoms with a strict diet and exercise regime.
I have rheumatoid arthritis, but I dont have chronic joint pain thanks to regular exercise and a strict anti-inflammatory diet. When I say strict, I mean a whole foods diet with no dairy, no processed sugars, no animal proteins, no oils, and no alcohol. A lot of people tell me they couldnt do what I do, but for me, eating a restricted diet beats the heck out of being in pain every day.
There is evidence that certain foods may reduce inflammation and improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. SeeManaging RA Fatigue Through Diet and Exercise
It took me years to get to this point. When I was initially diagnosed in 2006, my doctor told me I would have to take an RA drug like methotrexate for the rest of my life. Taking such powerful drugs seemed scaryand frankly, counterintuitive to meand I refused them. I tried to relieve my symptoms with diet and alternative therapies, but nothing worked, and for the next year I was in agony. Nearly bedridden, I finally gave in to taking medications.
See 5 Types of Medication That Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
The medications relieved my symptoms and allowed me to live my life again. I also had a cortisone shot to relieve painful, intractable swelling in my left knee. But I didnt give up hope that I could get off the medications one day.
See Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Inverse Psoriasis Vs Jock Itch
They can affect the same area, but there are differences between inverse psoriasis and jock itch.
- Jock itch shows up as reddened skin in the crease between your thigh and groin. It gradually spreads to your upper thigh in a half-moon shape. There could be blisters at the edges. You might also see a ring-shaped rash on your thighs and buttocks. Your skin might itch or burn, and it could get flaky or scaly. Jock itch is a fungus, and you can treat it with an antifungal medicine and by keeping the area clean and dry.
- Inverse psoriasis also can show up in the crease between your thigh and groin, but itâll just be red and white, and not scaly. You might also have cracks in your skin. And you could have scaly round patches on your upper thighs. If youâre overweight, you might also get intertrigo, a painful rash that results from skin rubbing together. Unlike jock itch, which tends to affect the crease between your thighs and groin and your buttocks and upper thighs, you can get psoriasis anywhere in your genital area. Learn what you can do about psoriasis in unexpected places on your body.
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Break Out The Nail Tool Kit
PsA on your feet = fragile, crumbly toenails.
Avoid potential snags, scrapes, and bumps by giving your toenails a little TLC. Keep the nails trimmed short, and file them down for a smooth finish.
TBH, toenail psoriasis can be tricky to treat. If impeccable hygiene and nail TLC dont help, talk with your doc about treatments like biologic DMARDs or corticosteroid injections to your nail beds.
Eat: Olives And Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is another must-add to an anti-inflammatory diet. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat , antioxidants, and oleocanthal, a compound that can lower inflammation and pain similarly to ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Oleic acid can reduce inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. Along with snacks of green and black olives, try to include 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil daily for cooking or in salad dressings.
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The End Of My Psoriatic Arthritis Story And A Second Chance At Life
Im extremely grateful to KW Stout for giving me the opportunity and a platform to share my story of triumph over a disease that plagues the lives of many people around the world. I hope it serves as a tool for inspiration and a helping hand to those who need support.
Consult your doctor and try to find a system of living that perfectly suits the needs of your body.
It took time and many breakdowns to reach this point the results were worth it. I progressively felt better month after month, and now I feel like Im in the best shape and phase of my life. I still dont consume most of the foods I cut out of my diet, especially nightshades but Ive grown less intolerant to other foods.
Were all unique and things vary so youll eventually figure out what foods are safe to add back into your diet and what foods should be eliminated indefinitely.
Consistency is the key to change and success. Im not advising anyone to abandon medication or anything irresponsible. All Im suggesting is to try and incorporate as many lifestyle changes as possible to support a healthy mind, body, and soul.
Take care of yourself. Treat your body like a temple and things will change for the better.
I wish you all the best and a very healthy, happy and long life!
Zak Khan is a full-time writer and author who shares his insights on productivity, self-development and writing over at Zakwrites.com.
How To Hold A Job And Handle Psa
Itâs important to understand your disease, your rights and the resources available to you.
Schedule a meeting with your supervisor at a time when neither of you is under pressure. Describe how your PsA may affect your performance, including scheduling doctor appointments and the use of assistive devices. The goal of this talk is to find the workplace adjustments that will benefit the company, your co-workers and yourself. Itâs better to ask for support or adaptations from your employer than to try to push through it on your own and risk a flare-up.
âAssistive devicesâ covers everything you need to be comfortable and more productive on the job. You might need something as simple as additional breaks or assistance with lifting heavy objects or adjusting the height of your chair and desk and the distance to your computer monitor. You might need equipment, such as switching from a mouse to a track pad or using a writing bird to help you grip a pen. Research options and prices ahead of time. If possible, try new equipment at home.
Your employer may not be required to purchase expensive equipment for you. However, tax deductions and/or tax credits may be available to certain employers who provide accommodations and/or jobs for people with disabilities.
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Treating And Living With Arthritis
Once a patient is diagnosed with arthritis, treatment options include modifying activities, using gait aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and joint injections. In most cases these treatments can significantly help with our patients arthritis pain and symptoms for many years.
With the introduction of biologic medications such as Humira, Remicade, and Enbrel, patients with inflammatory arthritis have seen dramatic improvements. In fact, in our hip and knee joint reconstruction practice, we now rarely see inflammatory arthritis patients progressing to the need for joint replacement without also having osteoarthritis. A patient can have both inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, but its the osteoarthritis that in most cases nowadays results in the need for joint replacement.
When disability, loss of motion and pain reach a point so severe that it affects a patients quality of life, joint replacement surgery has proven to be very effective in relieving pain and restoring function to our patients. When that time comes, I am grateful that here in Rhode Island we have a talented and dedicated team of professionals in our Total Joint Center, providing an outstanding level of surgical care to our patients. Based on the verified outcomes databases in which we participate, the outcomes of our joint replacement patients are equal to or better than benchmarks set at orthopedic centers and large specialty hospitals across the country.