Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that includes symptoms of inflammation in the joints. The inflammation cause by psoriatic arthritis is described as painful and chronic by those suffering from it. Many who suffer from it wonder what the best natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis are.
Today we’re going to dig into that question and offer some suggestions for natural remedies. Remember, there are no “cures” for psoriatic arthritis, or PsA. However, there are many natural treatments that may work well with therapies and traditional medicine to lessen your symptoms.
Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis
What is Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a distinct ailment from rheumatoid arthritis, though the joint pain and inflammation is similar. However, the main difference in the two is the presence of psoriasis. Psoriasis is marked by the red, flakey skin and plaques that develop on some parts of the skin.
Typically, those with PsA also suffer from psoriasis symptoms on the skin near the affected joints. As such, PsA is a distinct issue from normal arthritis. It can often appear in younger people, which is very unlike typical arthritis.
Natural Remedies
Keep in mind that these are natural substances and behaviors that have been noted to help with PsA aches and pains. These aren’t clinically tested or medically documented remedies. The suggestions here are simply that: suggestions. That said, many people have anecdotally noted that these natural remedies help them combat their PsA symptoms.
Turmeric
Long heralded as a natural way to combat inflammation, turmeric is a great choice for fighting PsA symptoms. Since most arthritis pain is related directly to inflammation, incorporating turmeric into your diet is a great way to try to combat it.
Anecdotally, turmeric milk is a great drink to supplement normal meals to help incorporate turmeric into your diet. Other ways to incorporate the spice include adding it to food directly or simply taking capsules of it. It’s natural and harmless, so why not try it?
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has more applications than simply helping you to relax. Relaxation is a great side-effect of the therapy process, but it’s not all the therapy is about. Many people have reported that massage therapy applied to areas of PsA symptoms have helped symptoms abate.
Notably, your massage therapist should be well-versed in helping work out tension related to PsA. Massage therapists who are thusly trained should be able to provide great amounts of relief for those suffering from PsA. This is a very direct, straightforward process for relieving pain related to symptoms.
Topical Applications
Many people suffering from PsA swear by topical application of natural substances like Aloe Vera. Aloe is a soothing balm derived from the plant of the same name. It is often applied to skin that has been sunburned, but it can also work wonders on skin afflicted with psoriasis.
Another example of a balm applied topically is Oregon grape. Studies suggest that this balm has properties that can alleviate skin discomfort related to psoriasis. While neither is a long-term solution to the problem of PsA, they might help reduce psoriasis-related discomfort.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient alternative treatment that many people swear by. It’s not considered a medical treatment, as no medical literature really supports its purported benefits. However, many practitioners swear that the process helps them manage chronic pain.
For the curious, acupuncture is a therapy method that involves carefully inserting needles under the skin in select parts of the body. The exact nature of the spots chosen is unclear, and some acupuncturists take an almost spiritual approach. Spiritualists claim acupuncture manipulates the body’s “chi,” or spirit force.
Realists tend to focus more on the nervous system, and how acupuncture interacts with nerve endings. In any event, many people find that acupuncture can help with chronic pain. While PsA in particular isn’t a main target of acupuncture, many who suffer from PsA claim acupuncture helps them manage their pain.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, that stuff that makes peppers so darn hot, has been shown to have some capacity to block pain receptors. People who don’t love the taste of extremely spicy foods need no worry, however, as there are other ways to take capsaicin other than eating spicy peppers.
Namely, many companies make over-the-counter topical creams using capsaicin. Users have anecdotally noted that these creams have the capacity to help with psoriasis symptoms. The skin plaques and itchiness of psoriasis is somewhat abated in some cases by capsaicin-based creams.
Acupressure
Something of a hybrid between acupuncture and massage therapy is acupressure. A related field to both aforementioned therapies, acupressure involves using the hands or other non-invasive methods to manipulate the focal points used in acupuncture.
Acupressure specifically targets problem areas and uses specific techniques to help alleviate different types of pain. Those who receive acupressure therapy often state that it’s a great way to deal with chronic pain.
Acupressurists who are well-trained in treating arthritic symptoms often know techniques intended to alleviate the specific joint pains in question. Patients are recommended to talk with acupressurists before seeing them to treat specific arthritis pain.
Behaviors
Those with ongoing PsA symptoms might also benefit from a healthier overall lifestyle. Gentle exercise, better diet and mindfulness have all been noted in various patients to help deal with pain. For instance, if you often eat junk food or fast food, you might find you’re experiencing more aches and pains.
On the other hand, a diet of fruits, vegetables and other healthy options could lead to decreased chronic pain symptoms. Similarly, many who suffer from PsA have noted that gentle exercise like yoga helps to keep their muscles and joints from becoming stiff, thus reducing their overall chronic pain.
In addition, meditation has been stated by many patients to help them cope with chronic pain. Sessions of deep reflection and mindfulness can help people with ongoing pain symptoms to manage their reactions to the pain. This can potentially ease their stress regarding their physical situation.
Hopefully some of these natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis will help you. Remember, none of these treatments are meant to be replacements for traditional medicine prescribed by your doctor. Always consult your doctor about changes in lifestyle and treatment.
