Can You Get Disability For Psoriatic Arthritis
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Psoriatic arthritis can be a disabling disorder that affects your ability to do your work properly. But can you get disability for psoriatic arthritis? Does the SSA list it as a disability? How can you get disability if it is not listed in the SSAs blue book? Answers to these questions below!
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Psoriatic Arthritis affects almost 520,000 people in America. If you are one of the millions of people with psoriatic arthritis, you may wonder if you are eligible for disability benefits. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, as eligibility for disability depends on various factors.
This article will look at what Disability Insurance is and how it can help people with psoriatic arthritis get the financial support they need. We will also explore some of the criteria that Social Security uses to determine eligibility for disability benefits. So, keep reading if you struggle with psoriatic arthritis and find it difficult to work!
Treatments For The Arthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can reduce pain, but they might not be enough to treat symptoms of psoriatic arthritis for everyone.
Some people find that NSAIDs work well at first but become less effective after afew weeks. If this happens, itmight help to try a different NSAID.
There are about 20 different NSAIDs available, including ibuprofen, etoricoxib, etodolac and naproxen.
Like all drugs, NSAIDs can have side effects. Your doctor will reduce the risk ofthese, by prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period of time.
NSAIDs can sometimes cause digestive problems, such as stomach upsets, indigestion or damage to the lining of the stomach. You may also be prescribed a drug called a proton pump inhibitor , such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, to help protect the stomach.
For some people, NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Although this increased risk is small, your doctor will be cautious about prescribing NSAIDs ifthere are other factors that may increase your overall risk, for example, smoking, circulation problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Some people have found that taking NSAIDs made their psoriasis worse. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.
Steroid treatment
Steroid injections into a joint can reduce pain and swelling, but the effects do wear off after a few months.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
Biological therapies
Just Because Youre Not Strong Enough To Push A Shopping Cart Doesnt Mean You Dont Work Out
Rabe says she exercises four to five times a week at home and in the swimming pool. But on some days the pain can keep her from doing the simplest things, like pushing a shopping cart. While exercising cant completely alleviate your symptoms, it can help strengthen the muscles around your joints. Biking, walking, and swimming are all good fitness options for people who have psoriatic arthritis. However, its important to remember that pushing yourself on days when your symptoms are particularly severe can do more harm than good.
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Keep Your Energy High
Eating several small meals a day can help you beat fatigue by providing steady fuel. Carry healthy snacks with you for times when youre hungry on the go. Consider carrots, nuts, grapes, or apple slices.
While eating frequently can help, keep an eye on your portion sizes. The extra pounds you gain from overeating can worsen joint pain and contribute to poor health. Check with your doctor to determine the healthiest weight for you.
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Tests To Diagnose Psoriatic Arthritis
Blood Tests
These tests can help confirm psoriatic arthritis and rule out other conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate : Gives a rough idea of how much inflammation is in your body, which could be caused by psoriatic arthritis. But higher levels can come from other autoimmune diseases, an infection, a tumor, liver disease, or pregnancy, too.
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody: These tests can rule out rheumatoid arthritis. People with that condition may have higher levels of these in their blood.
- HLA-B27: More than half of people who have psoriatic arthritis with spine inflammation will have this genetic marker. You can get tested to find out if you do.
- Iron tests: People with psoriatic arthritis may have mild anemia, or not enough healthy red blood cells.
X-Rays
These can show cartilage changes or bone and joint damage that suggests arthritis in your spine, hands, or feet. Psoriatic arthritis usually looks different on X-rays than rheumatoid arthritis does.
Bone Density Scan
Because psoriatic arthritis may lead to bone loss, your doctor may want to measure your bone strength. You could be at risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
Joint Fluid Test
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Watch Where You Are Walking Ice Can Sneak Up On You
Good shoes may save you in the winter. Take heed and be careful when walking around outside, especially in snowy and icy climates. Walk on clear sidewalks and consider keeping a trekking pole nearby. You can find one that folds up, and it just might save you when you catch a gnarly patch of ice.
Falling when you live with psoriatic arthritis can be detrimentally painful. It can invoke a flare that can put us out for days. Our body doesn’t recover as quickly as others, which can put us in a tight spot.
Oral Or Injected Drugs
There are a variety of drugs that target skin cell production or your immune system. These include:
Corticosteroids
These medications mimic cortisol, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory hormone produced by your body. These are normally taken by mouth and can help reduce inflammation. Injected forms can provide temporary inflammation relief.
Long-term use can result in facial swelling and weight gain. It may also increase your risk for osteoporosis.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
These medications suppress the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. This can help reduce prevent joint damage. DMARDs are typically taken by mouth but can also be injected.
Biologics
These medications can prevent inflammation on a cellular level. Biologics are typically injected. The main types of biologics are anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs, abatacept, and ustekinumab. Each blocks different proteins within the body.
Your risk for infection may increase while taking biologics since they work by suppressing your immune system.
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With Psoriasis Watch For These Early Signs Of Psoriatic Disease
No two people experience psoriatic arthritis the same wayits a disease whose features vary from person to person. What can be even more confusing is that some of the early symptoms of PsA may be similar to other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Even with these uncertainties, there are common early signs to be on the lookout for that can help distinguish PsA from other diseases when youre living with psoriasis.
Youre A Serious Germaphobe
You wash your hands religiously, carry sanitizing wipes everywhere, and avoid germ hubs, such as bowling alleys and movie theaters. And with good reason: Anything that can affect your immune system may worsen your symptoms.
Many psoriatic arthritis medications suppress the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to germs, and flare-ups can occur when you get an infection. While vitamins and general attention to hygiene can help ward off sickness, having to skip bowling night with your family to avoid getting sick can still sting even if it does help you avoid a monthlong cold.
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Can You Work With Psoriatic Arthritis
Unfortunately, psoriatic arthritis can significantly impact your ability to work. The pain and inflammation associated with it can make it difficult to perform even basic tasks, let alone hold down a full-time job.
In addition, the fatigue that is often experienced can make it hard to stay awake and focused during work hours. As a result, many people with psoriatic arthritis are forced to take a leave of absence from work or even reduce their hours.
Every case of PsA is different, and some people with psoriatic arthritis can manage their symptoms well enough to continue working full-time. However, for most people, the condition will at least partially impact their ability to earn a living.
This can be not easy to deal with, both financially and emotionally. If you struggle to manage your psoriatic arthritis and keep up with your job, it is better to seek help from a doctor or a support group. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of this condition.
Can You Get A Disability For Psoriatic Arthritis
If you have psoriatic arthritis, it is possible that your condition could qualify for Social Security disability insurance. Your level of benefits depends on how long and consistently pay into the system and what type or the extent to which disease has impacted both physical ability to work, but rest assured-the effort will be worth every penny!
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A Trip To The Physical Therapist Can Feel More Heavenly Than A Massage
A few months after being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, Rabe began physical therapy. I went two to three times a week, and the exercises I learned to do helped me cope with the pain, she says. Now any time I feel an ache in a new part of my body, Im right back at the physical therapists office. Exercises recommended by a therapist can help keep your joints flexible while strengthening your muscles and reducing pain.
Psoriatic Arthritis Risk Factors
- Psoriasis. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis. It affects men and women equally.
- Age. You can get PsA at any age, but it usually affects people between 30 and 50.
- Family history. As many as 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis have a family history of skin or joint disease.
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How To Stay Safe
To minimize your risk of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises those who may be at increased risk to:
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Avoid crowds and limit close contact with other people in public .
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth in public.
- Disinfect or avoid touching frequently used surfaces in public places, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shopping carts.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands after going outside or touching public surfaces.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear between two and 14 days after exposure, and can include:
- Loss of taste or smell
If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to get a COVID-19 test to determine if you have been infected. You can visit the website of your local or state health department to find a testing location near you. COVID-19 tests are typically covered by your health insurance or free if you are uninsured.
Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria
It isnât easy to diagnose psoriatic arthritis — many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Your doctor has a set of things to look for called criteria. These include:
Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis
This method uses a points system to scale your symptoms. At least 3 points indicates psoriatic arthritis:
- You have it now = 2 points
- You had it = 1 point
- You have a family history = 1 point
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Clinical Signs And Symptoms
- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Local Corticosteroid Injections
NOTE: Neither NSAIDS or intra articular corticosteroids will stop structural joint damage
Youre Always On A Search For The Next Best Thing
In recent decades, there have been more advances in medications and studies confirming the benefits of certain therapies for psoriatic arthritis than ever before. Doing your own research and following up on it with your rheumatologist will help you and the doctor find and maintain the best treatment plan. Says Dishner, Its important to understand your options and to never give up hope.
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How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the severity of your condition.
Boththe skin condition and the joint inflammation are treated. Early diagnosis andtreatment helps prevent joint damage. Some medicines used to treat psoriatic arthritisinclude:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to ease symptoms
- Corticosteroids for inflammation
- Immunosuppressive medicines such as methotrexate to reduce inflammation if NSAIDs don’t work
- Biologic medicines to ease inflammation
- Vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D to slow bone deformation
Other treatment may include:
Diagnosis Of Psoriatic Arthritis
There is no laboratory test for psoriatic arthritis, and the symptoms may closely resemble other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, our U-M physicians are experts in recognizing psoriatic arthritis. Blood tests, such as a sedimentation rate test or rheumatoid factor test, may help.
When one or two large joints are inflamed, we can use arthrocentesis to take fluid out of the joints. This fluid is then analyzed for infection, gout and other inflammatory diseases.
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Swollen Joints Fingers And Toes
Often you’ll notice swelling in your knees, ankles, feet, and hands. Usually, a few joints are inflamed at a time. They get painful and puffy, and sometimes hot and red. When your fingers or toes are affected, they might take on a sausage shape. Psoriatic arthritis might affect pairs of joints on both sides of your body, like both of your knees, ankles, hips, and elbows.
How Will Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Me
The effects of psoriatic arthritis can vary a great deal between different people. This makes it difficult to offer advice on what you should expect.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause long-term damage to joints, bones and other tissue in the body, especially if it isnt treated.
Starting the right treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance of keeping your arthritis under control and minimise damage to your body allowing you to lead a full and active life with psoriatic arthritis.
You dont need to face arthritis alone. If you need support or advice, call our Helpline today on . Our advisors can give you expert information and advice about arthritis and can offer support whenever you need it most.
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Complications Of Psoriatic Arthritis And Covid
While evidence is still preliminary and more research is needed, current evidence suggests that patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with immunosuppressive medications are not at increased risk of complications from COVID-19 compared with the general population.
Research supports that people with psoriatic arthritis are not at an increased risk of hospitalization compared with the general population, and that the use of biologics is not associated with worsening symptoms from COVID-19.
Can I Get A Blue Badge If I Have Psoriatic Arthritis
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may be eligible for a blue badge. This can help you park closer to your destination and make journeys easier.To apply for a blue badge, you will need to fill in an application form and provide proof of your condition. You can get an application form from your local authority or the Blue Badge scheme website.If you are approved for a blue badge, it will be valid for three years. You will need to renew it after this time if you want to continue using it.If you have any questions about the blue badge scheme or your application, contact your local authority or the Blue Badge scheme helpline.
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Early Stages Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Recognizing the signs of psoriatic arthritis can be tricky since symptoms differ from patient to patient. For example, one person can experience psoriasis skin involvement and peripheral arthritis, another may experience axial disease , and someone else could have a combination of all three.
Whats more, especially during early disease, you may confuse your symptoms with other conditions. People can mistake enthesitis, inflammation of the entheses for tennis elbow or dactylitis for an infection, explains Dr. Mikulik.
If you have psoriasis and are having pain in your tendon and musculature and you think maybe Ive been too active lately, that may be the first sign of PsA, says Dr. Haberman. Doctors commonly hear people chalk up their symptoms to overuse, such as getting more exercise than usual or doing work around the house.
If you experience any of the following signs of early psoriatic arthritis its important to see your doctor as soon as possible:
- Changes in your fingernails or toenails, including holes, pitting, discoloration, or softness
- Eye inflammation
- Sausage-like swelling of an entire finger or toe
- Scalp psoriasis
- Tendon or ligament pain at the Achilles tendon, bottom of the foot , or elbow