Living with PsA

Exercise can offer many benefits for people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), including: better joint range of motion less joint pain and stiffness improved endurance and flexibility weight loss (less strain on your joints) Here are a few tips for making physical activity a part of your life: Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Proper skin care can help you manage skin symptoms caused by psoriatic arthritis: Humidify your home in the winter. Use moisturizing cream to prevent skin dryness. Choose products made for sensitive skin, and be gentle when cleansing your skin. Don't apply makeup or skin products to broken, raw, or irritated skin.

When you have psoriatic arthritis, it's important to avoid putting too much strain on your joints: Take a rest after heavy work, or alternate heavy and light activities. Carry heavy loads close to your body, which puts the extra weight on your larger and stronger joints (e.g., your shoulder instead of your wrist).

Eating right can help you live well with psoriatic arthritis. Here are a few tips: Choose a variety of healthy foods from all four food groups (fruits and vegetables, grains, milk and alternatives, meat and alternatives) and follow Canada's Food Guide. Eat regularly - don't skip meals. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.

A physiotherapist can help you learn to manage your psoriatic arthritis.

Heat can help to relieve joint pain and stiffness caused by psoriatic arthritis. A hot bath or shower in the morning or before bed, especially when combined with stretching exercises, can reduce pain and stiffness. Do not apply heat to a swollen joint, which will make your symptoms worse. Other ways to apply heat to relieve joint pain and stiffness include a hot water bottle, a warm wheat pillow, or an electric blanket.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) doesn't just affect your joints - it can affect your whole life, including your work, family life, and social life. That's why it's important to have a plan for dealing with the emotional effects of PsA: Find ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques or meditation.