Treating PsA and taking control

Early diagnosis and treatment can help get your psoriatic arthritis (PsA) under control so you can return to normal living. Goals of PsA therapy include: relieving symptoms slowing the radiographic progression of the disease reducing the risk of permanent joint damage and disability improving quality of life and the ability to do daily activities If you aren't sure whether you are meeting these goals, speak to your doctor about building a treatment plan with a targeted approach to treatment to help you get your life back and take control of your disease.

Biologics are used to slow or prevent progression of joint destruction and the associated symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Some biologics (e.g., Humira®, Enbrel®) are given at home and are self-injected under the skin (into the fat of your leg or abdomen) much like insulin is for people with diabetes.

Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help relieve joint pain and swelling caused by psoriatic arthritis. However, they cannot slow the progression of joint damage. Corticosteroids may be given by mouth, such as prednisone (Winpred®, generics), or by injection into the affected joints, such as triamcinolone (Aristospan®, Kenalog®, generics) and methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol®, generics).

Traditional DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) are used to relieve pain and swelling and prevent psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from getting worse. This family of medications works by helping to block the immune system's attack on the joints and nearby tissues. DMARDs used in Canada for PsA include: methotrexate (Methotrexate®, generics): usually given by mouth once weekly sodium aurothiomalate (Myochrysine®): injected into a muscle (intramuscular (IM) injection) once weekly until the full benefits are seen, then every 2 to 4 weeks Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend other DMARDs.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help relieve joint pain and swelling caused by psoriatic arthritis. However, they cannot slow the progression of joint damage. There is a wide variety of NSAIDs available in Canada. Examples include acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®, generics), ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, generics), and naproxen (Naprosyn®, generics).

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers as part of your treatment plan for psoriatic arthritis. These medications can help with pain, but they will not slow down the progression of the disease. Examples of pain relievers include: codeine (generics) combination products containing codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol No.

For some people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), surgery may be an option. Surgery is used to replace a joint that has been badly damaged by PsA with an artificial joint. Surgery can help reduce pain and improve movement and function in the affected joint. It can also improve the appearance of the joint.