What Makes Your Psoriatic Arthritis Worse?

I don’t think there is anything we can do to avoid having a flare-up. Believe me; I've tried. But I also believe we can make some lifestyle changes to our health that will help us to feel better.

What contributes to a psoriatic arthritis flare?

We have all heard that this is an inherited disease. Certain genes can promote the onset of the condition. Not every child of an affected parent automatically suffers from psoriasis.

Flares, symptoms, and progression can also depend on certain factors like environment and triggers. These could include physical or psychological factors.

Psoriatic arthritis can come and go as it pleases, and the symptom-free periods can vary in length. A cure is currently not possible, but early treatment can significantly shorten the symptoms. I have had PsA for 35 years, and each time I have a flare, it seems to last longer and longer.

How does psoriatic arthritis develop?

Psoriatic arthritis is one of the autoimmune diseases in which the body's own defense mechanisms turn against its immune system. The inflammation is triggered by processes on the skin and the joints.

Environmental factors, medications, hormonal changes, and bacterial and viral infections all play a role in the development of the disease.

What makes psoriatic arthritis flares worse?

Factors that can significantly worsen the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are. Smoking is known as a risk factor. Smoking can cause or worsen this inflammatory joint disease. But more importantly, it can lead to other health problems.

Misuse of medicines is also another trigger. Follow instructions, and don’t stop, skip or take the wrong amount of medication.

Lack of sleep is also a culprit. Get plenty of rest; lack of sleep adds to your stress levels. Improper nutrition such as alcohol, processed meats, soda drinks, processed sugar, fried foods, and fast food can cause inflammation and flares.

Be careful of excessive exposure to the sun. Yes, the sun is good for us, but too much can damage our skin and cause flares. Lack of physical activity and weight gain can put on added pressure on your already sore joints and spine.

How do psoriatic flares impact the joints?

While psoriasis mainly shows the inflammatory process on the skin with thick, flaky, and mostly itchy areas of the skin that crack and peel. Psoriatic arthritis begins primarily in the inner skin of the joints. Because of the inflammation, it thickens, produces a lot of synovial fluid, and finally triggers a so-called effusion.

Pain, deformation, and stiffening of these joints can be some of the consequences. Our main goal is to stop or alleviate the inflammatory process that comes with having this disease. We need to treat the symptoms to maintain the functionality of the joints as much as possible.

Identifying triggers to manage flares

Most triggers are not the same for everyone. It's wise to know that each of us knows our triggers and figures out how to manage them to avoid a flare-up. Let’s be proactive in our healthcare. You and I can make healthy lifestyle choices.

Keep your doctor up to date on your condition so he can make a decision to minimize a flare.