PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Find the Most Advanced Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in New Jersey at Six Convenient Offices
Living with a chronic disease takes a toll on your body and sense of well-being. At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Back Disease Associates (ARBDA), our experienced and compassionate physicians and staff provide patients with advanced care, innovative clinical solutions and a deep understanding of the day-to-day trials someone with psoriatic arthritis experiences.
How is Psoriatic Arthritis related to Psoriasis?
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis related to psoriasis: Both are chronic autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune response malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues. Approximately 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition that presents with scaly red and white patches, are at greater risk for developing PsA.
Scientists and doctors believe that genetics and environmental factors may play a role in developing psoriatic arthritis.
Are there different kinds of psoriatic arthritis?
The most common type of psoriatic arthritis is symmetric psoriatic arthritis where joints in the same location on both sides of the body become inflamed and painful at the same time. In asymmetric psoriatic arthritis, joints in different parts of the body become affected simultaneously. And in distal psoriatic arthritis, the ends of the fingers and toes swell and stiffen, accompanied by pitting and peeling nails.
Some people with PsA develop a mild form of the disease with infrequent flare-ups of symptoms. Others suffer from a more aggressive condition where severe and frequent inflammation leads to debilitating pain and joint damage.
Who do I trust for psoriatic arthritis treatment and diagnosis?
An experienced rheumatology specialist can offer a vast body of knowledge to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the right psoriatic arthritis treatment for your body. This includes a thorough physical exam, a detailed family and medical history, and a blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, which has similar symptoms to psoriatic arthritis. X-rays or other imaging studies (like Ultrasound) can be taken to determine if a person’s joint damage is consistent with psoriatic arthritis*. Visit one of our six New Jersey offices for more information about treatment options.
How does psoriatic arthritis treatment work?
Your rheumatologist may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (called “NSAIDs“) for pain management and to reduce inflammation. Additionally, corticosteroids may be taken by mouth or injection to help reduce inflammation.
Conventional Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (called “cDMARDs”) such as methotrexate may be used to reduce the damage from inflammation. The newest biologically-based, targeted medicines (called “bDMARDs” or “biologics”) can dramatically reduce the underlying components which cause inflammation at the cellular level.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease which requires ongoing management by a licensed specialist. Partnering with a smart team of doctors will help you to manage the twists and turns diseases like this can take.
Make sure you get the highest level of Psoriatic arthritis treatment. Contact ARBDA today or visit one of our six offices in New Jersey for more information about our psoriatic arthritis treatment options.