Do You Know Your PsA Triggers?

I have lived with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) for over 10 years now. To say it was life-changing is an understatement.

I used to work full time. Then, my PsA got to the point where I could no longer work. My job was taking care of a 3-story mansion with only stairs. The PsA got so bad that some days I could not bend or use a broom. I never knew when pain would hit or how long it would last.

It took me a long time to learn that PsA can flare just like psoriasis. Doctors often do not tell you this. Do you know what causes your PsA to flare? You might not have thought about it before.

Stress can trigger a flare

One of my top triggers is stress. The family I worked for loved to host events. Making sure everything was clean caused me a lot of stress.

For days after an event, every muscle in my body hurt. I thought I was just overworking my body. At the time, I guess I was right. But I did not fully understand it until I had to leave that job.

Active psoriasis skin symptoms

Psoriasis is also a big trigger for a PsA flare. I have had active psoriasis skin flares for 20 years. That started 10 years before my PsA symptoms began.

I later learned that worse psoriasis symptoms can trigger PsA flares. The severe skin flares make joint flares more likely.

Certain prescription drugs

Did you know that drug choices can cause a PsA flare? I found that out during a talk with my rheumatologist. My PsA was getting worse.

I knew my doctor took me off one drug because it made psoriasis worse. I brought that up during my visit. My rheumatologist said, "Well, let us see what else you are taking". That was when I learned that some drugs make arthritis worse. If your PsA is getting worse, have an open talk with your rheumatologist.

Weather and barometric pressure changes

Weather is another big trigger. I live in Louisiana. We often get heavy rain and severe storms. Heavy storms always make my arthritis flare.

Most people know cold weather causes flares. Few know that storms do the same thing. It has to do with barometric pressure changes during storms. I can feel a heavy storm coming long before it arrives.

Becoming your own health advocate

These are only a few things that can cause a PsA flare. Talk to your rheumatologist to learn about other triggers. You can also contact the National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Navigation Center.

You must be your own advocate. Doctors do not always share every piece of information you need.

Did I leave anything off this list? Please share your triggers in the comments below! We learn best when we share with each other.