Common Home Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Along with treatment options prescribed by their doctors, many people living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) turn to home remedies to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness. While there is limited research to prove these remedies slow or stop the damage caused by PsA, home remedies may ease some common symptoms.1,2

Heat and cold

Many people with PsA find that hot and cold packs can provide relief to their aching joints. You can rotate hot and cold packs, using heat for a few minutes before switching to cold, and then repeating.1,2

Arthritis creams

Several over-the-counter (OTC) arthritis creams deliver medicine through the skin. These OTC products are safe to use and can help ease the symptoms of PsA. Arthritis creams may include the following ingredients:1,3

• Capsaicin – This substance comes from the chili pepper plant. It gives peppers their spiciness. In creams and ointments, capsaicin blocks nerve endings that transmit pain. Products containing capsaicin include Capzasin, Dolorac, and Zostrix.
• Salicylates – This is the ingredient in aspirin that works on pain. Products containing salicylates include Bengay, Myoflex, Sportscreme, and Aspercreme.
• Counterirritants – These substances produce a sensation of hot or cold. This sensation may temporarily block the body’s ability to feel localized pain. Ingredients in these creams may include menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, or wintergreen oil. Products containing counterirritants include Biofreeze and Icy Hot.

While these OTC products have been proven safe, their effectiveness in PsA has not been proven.^1,2

Exercise

Regular physical activity helps to reduce joint stiffness, increase flexibility, and alleviate pain associated with PsA. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga are great ways to get more movement into your day. They are also gentle on the joints.1,2

Exercise also helps boost mood and energy levels, which can be crucial for those dealing with PsA. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you create a personalized exercise plan.1,2

Salt baths

For centuries, people have touted the health benefits of sea salt and mineral-rich waters found in natural springs around the world. Although not scientifically proven, many people living with psoriasis and PsA have found that salt baths help ease itchy skin and joint pain.1,3

Add sea salts or Epsom salts to a warm bath at home. Soak for about 15 minutes to relieve itchy skin and inflamed joints. Just be sure you do not have any open cuts before soaking in a salt bath – it can sting or burn open wounds.1

Supplements

A number of dietary supplements have promising study results showing they may help reduce PsA symptoms. These supplements include:1-3

• Fish oil – The high level of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help reduce joint pain and tenderness.
• Turmeric – Turmeric is being studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that turmeric has the ability to alter tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine expression, which may mean it is helpful in relieving PsA symptoms.
• Vitamin D – People with PsA tend to have lower levels of vitamin D. Since vitamin D helps reduce inflammation, they might benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement. Check with your doctor about whether your vitamin D levels are low and whether you should take a supplement.

Supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way other drugs are. This means that no outside agency confirms the ingredients or suggested dose.4

For example, a fish oil supplement may have more or less fish oil than listed on the label. A supplement may also contain ingredients that are not labeled correctly or at all. This can lead to taking too much or taking unwanted ingredients, which can be dangerous. Your doctor can help you decide whether a supplement is safe.4