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What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in certain joints and commonly affects people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a red and flaky rash on the scalp, elbows, back and hands. It is not yet known what causes psoriatic arthritis but it may be partly due to genetic factors or following a serious infection. It is important that you remain as active as possible during a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis and physiotherapy is a very successful way to control your symptoms. Physio.co.uk has specialist physiotherapists that are experienced at devising individualised programmes to help manage your condition.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the palma fascia to relieve pain and stiffnessWhat are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
There are various symptoms that are associated with psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms may present at different times and therefore it is important for you to have a good understanding of your condition. A key part of your physiotherapy programme with Physio.co.uk is being educated about psoriatic arthritis and your physiotherapist will help you to identify the various signs and symptoms. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may include:
- Inflammation of joints
- Inflammation of Achilles tendon
- Tight calf muscles
- Loss of colour in finger and toe nails
- Sausage shaped fingers and toes
- Stiffness in the back and neck
How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
There is no test which confirms a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and therefore the decision is usually a result of a professional opinion and identifying key symptoms of the condition. The specialist physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk will be able to work with you to try and control your symptoms to help you return to your hobbies and/or sports. Potential diagnostic tests for psoriatic arthritis include:
- Blood tests
- X rays
- Examination of all symptoms
Above: Massage and mobilisations of the joint and connective tissue of the kneeHow will physiotherapy help with psoriatic arthritis?
Physiotherapy is a very effective way of minimising your symptoms and getting the psoriatic arthritis under control. Physiotherapy can help do this in a number of different ways. You experienced physiotherapist at Physio.co.uk will decide the best programme to treat your condition and this will be tailored to your specific needs and goals. Physiotherapy can help in the following ways:
- Improve the movement of stiff joints
- Increased strength
- Pain reduction
- Greater ability to carry out your normal activities of daily living
- Improved cardiovascular levels
- Greater understanding of your condition and how best to manage it
What physiotherapy will be used for psoriatic arthritis?
There are a number of physiotherapy options that can be used to treat psoriatic arthritis. The choice of treatment will depend on a joint decision between you and your physiotherapist at Physio.co.uk and will depend on the severity of your symptoms. The physiotherapy programme created by Physio.co.uk will be individualised and may be adapted according to your current symptoms to optimise the success of your treatment. Physiotherapy options may include:
- Pain control modalities
- Range of movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Cardiovascular activities
- Hydrotherapy
- Pacing advice
- Provision of splints of needed
- Joint protection advice
- Wax therapy
- Provision of specialist equipment that may be useful around your home
Above: Soft tissue massage of the palma fascia to relieve pain and stiffnessSummary
Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of certain joints, especially the joints of the back, spine, fingers and toes. Psoriatic arthritis is often related to having psoriasis which is a skin condition that results in a flaky, red rash. Although there is not yet a cure for psoriatic arthritis, it is possible to keep the symptoms well under control and physiotherapy is a successful way of doing this. Physio.co.uk has specialist physiotherapists who are experienced at treating psoriatic arthritis and will be able to create you a personalised programme to help you remain healthy and active. Please call Physio.co.uk today on 0330 088 7800 today to book an appointment. or alternatively book online today!
