How to reduce pain with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can affect people with psoriasis. It can be mild, but it can also cause severe pain and swelling in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body or many joints at the same time. Some treatments that help control the pain and swelling can also reduce the chances of long-term damage to the joints.

Besides drugs and medical treatments, there are natural ways to help relieve the pain:

1. Walk more.

You can keep your joints more supple and strong by exercising regularly. Walking is a relatively low-impact way to do it. You may prefer to ride a stationary bike. Exercise can also help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, which can also reduce the stress you put on your weight-bearing joints.

2. Consult physical or occupational therapists. 
The exercises you will do in this type of therapy can help you move easier and do everyday activities.

3. Reduce unnecessary strain on your joints.

Start looking for ways to avoid putting unnecessary strain or pressure on already-sore joints and reduce some of the pain you may be experiencing. For example, you can reduce the amount of strain you put on the finger joints by using both hands to lift objects, rather than relying on just one hand. You might also find some relief in a brace, split or other type of support device.

4. Rest.

One of the best ways to reduce the pain caused by psoriatic arthritis is to take the stress off your joints and rest them. Sit back or lie back and remove the weight from your aching joints.

5. Get a massage.

A massage can temporarily reduce the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis.

6. Consider complementary therapies.

The tiny needles used in acupuncture might help to relieve the joint pain. Or the relaxing techniques used in reiki can help feel calm and reduce the pain. Reiki is a Japanese stress reduction technique in which the practitioner uses his or her hands to channel energy into another person.