Psoriatic knee arthritis causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, making daily movements challenging. Fortunately, various treatment options may be available near you. Finding the right approach can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Is Psoriatic Knee Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and can also affect the skin. If the knee joints are involved, this can lead to swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Often associated with the skin condition psoriasis, PsA can be painful and potentially disabling if left untreated.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of psoriatic knee arthritis, you might want to consider speaking with a rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
One of the first lines of treatment for psoriatic knee arthritis could be NSAIDs. These medications, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, might help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
If you’re dealing with mild symptoms, your doctor might recommend starting with NSAIDs. Many pharmacies or healthcare providers near you could potentially offer NSAIDs as part of your treatment plan.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
If NSAIDs aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may suggest DMARDs, which could slow the progression of the disease and help preserve joint function. Medications like methotrexate or sulfasalazine might be prescribed to reduce joint damage. You may be able to access these through a rheumatologist or a specialized clinic nearby, depending on your location.
Biologics
For those with moderate to severe psoriatic knee arthritis, biologic drugs like adalimumab (Humira) or etanercept (Enbrel) might be recommended. These medications target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Given that biologics often require regular injections or infusions, you could find that specialized clinics or hospitals near you offer this service. Consulting a healthcare provider will be essential to explore these options.
Corticosteroids
In cases of severe flare-ups, corticosteroid injections into the knee joint might be suggested. These could provide rapid relief from inflammation and pain, though they are typically not a long-term solution. Many orthopedic or rheumatology specialists could offer this treatment, and it might be worth looking into clinics near you that provide corticosteroid injections.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy could be an important part of your treatment plan, helping to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility. Physical therapists in your area might offer exercises tailored to your condition, potentially helping you maintain or improve joint function. Many people with psoriatic arthritis find that a combination of medication and physical therapy helps manage their symptoms more effectively.
Surgery
In rare cases where the knee joint has sustained significant damage, surgery might be considered. This could include procedures such as a knee replacement. If you’re exploring this option, you may need to consult with an orthopedic surgeon in your area who specializes in joint surgery.
Finding Psoriatic Knee Arthritis Treatment Near You
If you’re looking for treatment options close to home, there are a few ways you could go about finding the right provider:
- Consulting Your Primary Care Physician: If you’re unsure where to start, your primary care doctor might be able to recommend specialists in your area. Many primary care physicians work closely with rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons and could help you get an appointment.
- Patient Support Networks: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis support groups could be an invaluable resource for finding recommendations on specialists near you. Members of these groups often share their experiences with local healthcare providers.
- Health Insurance Provider: Checking with your health insurance provider could help ensure that any specialists or treatments you seek are covered. Many insurance companies offer online tools to search for in-network specialists near you.
Find What Works for You
While psoriatic knee arthritis can be a challenging condition, there are a variety of treatment options available, many of which could be accessible close to where you live. From medications like NSAIDs and biologics to physical therapy and, in severe cases, surgery, finding the right approach might help you manage your symptoms and regain mobility.