Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune skin condition that causes red scaly patches of skin that may itch, burn, or sting. Psoriasis can flare up and often affects the scalp, knees, and elbows.
Psoriatic arthritis develops in people with psoriasis. On top of itchy red patches of skin, you may also experience swollen fingers and toes, back pain, nail changes, and eye inflammation.
Our board-certified podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists know that psoriatic arthritis is notorious for causing foot pain, especially at the points where your tendons and ligaments attach to your bones. People with psoriatic arthritis may struggle with Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis.
Below, we share five ways to manage your psoriatic arthritis symptoms with a special emphasis on your foot-related symptoms.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and they’re all categorized by joint inflammation pain. That applies to psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis may cause painful swelling in your toes called dactylitis, but most people refer to it as “sausage toes” or “sausage fingers.”
One of the best ways to reduce your symptoms (including sausage toes) is to focus on reducing body-wide inflammation.
This includes:
Although food won’t eliminate your arthritis, eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help support your immune system.
During a flare-up, you may not feel like doing intense exercise, but gentle movement is still important.
Arthritis-friendly exercises can help keep your joints loose and flexible. Exercise also helps strengthen your muscles and helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is good for keeping your joints healthy.
Gentle exercises include swimming, walking, and stretching. You may also find that physical therapy helps you regain your range of motion and helps alleviate some of your symptoms.
To accommodate any foot issues, exercise in well-fitting shoes that don’t put any more pressure on your swollen joints. If you have prescription orthotics, wear them as directed.
Stress isn’t good for anyone, but it can be particularly troublesome if you have psoriatic arthritis. Chronic stress can trigger psoriatic arthritis flare-ups. Not only does stress trigger flare-ups, but stress can make you feel the pain more intensely.
To help manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups related to stress, practice stress management techniques. Examples include exercise, meditating, deep breathing, and yoga.
Arthritis fatigue is real. Trying to manage the pain and inflammation of arthritis can leave you exhausted, and so can some of your arthritis medications.
Stay active (exercise helps with arthritis management), but don’t overdo it. You should:
If you’re on your feet for most of the day, alternate between standing or using a stool to give your feet a break.
There are many assistive devices to help you perform daily tasks. These include jar openers (if the joints in your wrists or hands hurt) as well as canes.
In addition to using assistive devices, know that our team is here to help. As experts in both autoimmune conditions and foot disorders, we know how to manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis that affect your feet. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, swollen joints, or painful tendons, we’re here to help.
Call one of our seven convenient Florida locations 一Tamarac, Fort Lauderdale (three offices), Hollywood, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton, Florida 一 to explore your treatment options. You can also book an appointment online any time day or night.
