Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment: Home Remedy Tips That Ease Joint Pain and Stiffness Naturally
Discover which foods soothe inflammation from the inside out
If you’re one of the millions of people dealing with psoriatic arthritis, you know just how frustrating it can be. One day, you’re moving just fine and the next, you’re hit with joint pain, stiffness and swelling. While there’s no cure for this chronic condition, the good news is that certain lifestyle changes can make a real difference in how you feel day to day. We spoke with healthcare professionals about at-home psoriatic arthritis treatment options that can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that affects both the skin and joints. It primarily causes inflammation, leading to discomfort and mobility issues. It’s commonly associated with psoriasis, but not everyone who has psoriasis will develop PsA. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, PsA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints and skin.
Psoriatic arthritis can affect people differently, but the most common symptoms include:
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- Stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Persistent fatigue
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, with unpredictable flare-ups.
The best at-home psoriatic arthritis treatment tips
“The best type of management for PsA typically involves a combination of strategies that can ease symptoms and improve quality of life,” explains Lalitha McSorley, MScPT, Owner of Brentwood Physio. Here’s what you can do to take control of psoriatic arthritis and feel your best.
Move gently
Exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing when your joints ache. But according to McSorley, gentle movement is a key part of treating psoriatic arthritis. “Low-impact exercises are generally best because, unlike high-impact exercises, they do not stress the joints and still allow for mobility,” she explains. McSorley recommends the following activities:
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Walking
- Cycling
- Gentle stretching
Note: “You must listen to your body,” advises McSorley. “Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more guidance based on your unique condition.” If a particular movement causes pain, modify it or try something different. And don’t forget to warm up and cool down; this can prevent unnecessary strain on affected joints.
Try an anti-inflammatory diet
While there’s no specific psoriatic arthritis diet, certain foods can help reduce inflammation. Try incorporating more of these anti-inflammatory foods into your meals:
- Fatty fish like salmon and sardines. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale. They’re packed with antioxidants that support overall health.
- Berries. These fruits are high in polyphenols that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Nuts and seeds. The crunchy snacks are great sources of healthy fats and anti-inflammatory compounds.
On the flip side, some foods can make PsA symptoms worse. “Avoiding highly processed foods and sugars can reduce weight gain and inflammation,” explains Kevin Lees, DC, Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractic. He also suggests limiting food you may be sensitive to, such as dairy or spicy foods. These can all help keep your immune system calm.
Take care of your skin
Since psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, skin flare-ups can often trigger joint pain.
“Taking care of your skin can reduce these problems,” says Lees. He suggests the following skincare habits for people with psoriasis:
- Avoid getting sunburned or taking very hot showers or baths, which can dry out the skin.
- Use moist heat to help ease pain and stiffness. Lees suggests using “a moist heating pad or a warm Epsom salt bath.”
- Moisturize after showering.
If you have persistent skin flare-ups, talk to a dermatologist about prescription treatments that can help.
Experiment with cold and hot therapy
Cold and hot therapy can also help treat inflammation and joint stiffness in people with psoriatic arthritis. “Applying cold packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and swelling, while applying heat to the affected area can help relax stiff muscles and joints,” explains McSorley. “I often tell my patients to alternate between the two or do whichever gives them the most relief, especially during a flare-up.”
Make time to de-stress
“If the autoimmune system is more active, symptoms usually worsen. Stress can activate the immune system,” says Lees. “Keeping stress and inflammation low is the key to reducing progression and symptoms for psoriatic arthritis patients.”
Managing stress can be different for individual patients, adds Lees. “A short walk outside can be helpful, meditation, listening to music and keeping a regular sleep schedule may help regulate stress hormones.” Other mindfulness techniques include:
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Engaging in activities you enjoy
Prioritize sleep
Stress and sleep go hand in hand. “Possibly the most overlooked aspect is proper sleep,” notes McSorley. “Getting enough sleep is essential, as that is when your body does the majority of its repairing and reduces stress. So aim for 8 [hours].” Find expert-backed tips for improving your sleep schedule here.
The bottom line on at-home psoriatic arthritis treatment
Living with psoriatic arthritis can be challenging, but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way in improving your quality of life. “I think it’s important to listen to your body, it will tell you when it needs rest, food and exercise,” adds McSorley.
Remember that natural psoriatic arthritis treatment isn’t a replacement for medical treatment. If you notice your symptoms worsening, new joint pain or increased fatigue, check in with your doctor.
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