Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis Knee Pain

Share

Psoriatic arthritis can develop in individuals who have psoriasis, affecting various joints, especially the knees. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to build up and form patches of itchy, dry skin known as plaques. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease that can cause inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Symptoms can progressively worsen over time without treatment. Early diagnosis is vital to minimize damage to the joints and slow the conditionโ€™s progress with treatment.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms like stiffness and swelling can present differently from person to person. For example, some individuals with psoriatic knee arthritis will experience stiffness or pain in one knee, while others experience symptoms in both knees. Psoriatic arthritis in the knee can also cause swelling in the surrounding:

  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Synovial membranes
  • Symptoms can also present in the:
  • Elbows
  • Feet
  • Hands

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50. Common symptoms include:

  • Stiffness after resting or sleeping.
  • Swelling.
  • Inflammation in the knee and surrounding area.
  • Warm or hot skin on the knee from the inflammation.
  • Pain in and around the joints, tendons, or ligaments.
  • Joint sticking, difficulty moving, or reduced range of motion.

Other symptoms include:

  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Pain and redness in the eyes
  • Swollen fingers or toes
  • Difficulty walking from pain in the feet or Achilles tendon.
  • Nail pitting or separation.

The severity of psoriasis does not determine psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Symptoms can go through a pattern of relapses and remissions. Individuals can have a sudden attack where symptoms get worse over a short time. After the flare-up, symptoms can improve as the condition goes into remission. Symptoms may not present for a long time until another flare-up. For example, an individual may have severe psoriasis but only mild psoriatic arthritis.

Causes

Psoriatic arthritis develops when the bodyโ€™s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. The faulty immune response causes the body to quickly generate new skin cells that stack on top of each other forming plaques. When the condition affects the joints, it leads to inflammation. While there is no apparent cause for psoriatic arthritis, researchers have found connections to genetics and the environment, as well as, individuals with close relatives that have psoriatic arthritis could be more likely to develop the condition. Other factors that could influence the development include:

  • Severe psoriasis
  • Traumatic injury/s
  • Obesity
  • Nail disease
  • Smoking

The condition can happen at any age, but according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, most individuals first notice symptoms about ten years after their psoriasis begins. However, only 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.

Diagnosis

Doctors use imaging tools to diagnose psoriatic arthritis in the knee. They will use:

  • MRI
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • To help them check for irregularities or signs of inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues.
  • Additional tests are used to rule out other common forms of arthritis like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
  • Blood tests check for inflammation and specific antibodies.
  • In some cases, a small amount of fluid from the joint is taken to help eliminate the possibility of other underlying conditions like an infection.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but treatments are being developed and show promise for long-term management. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for the individual.

Biologics

Biologic medications like tumor necrosis factor or TNF inhibitors are recommended as the first-line therapy for most individuals with a new diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. These meds help block TNF, which plays a crucial role in inflammation. They have shown to be effective at reducing the severity of symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. Biologics can cause unwanted side effects, especially in individuals that experience frequent infections and need routine monitoring.

Small Molecule Medications

Individuals that cannot use biologic medications may be recommended a new class of medication called oral small molecules or OSMs. Examples include apremilast โ€“ Otezla and tofacitinib โ€“ Xeljanz.

Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs โ€“ DMARDs are a long-term option. They are used to slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis, and examples include methotrexate and cyclosporine. DMARDs work best when an individual begins taking them as early as they can take time to work. However, individuals are encouraged to continue taking them, even if symptoms do not improve right away.

Easing Inflammation

A doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs โ€“ NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections when knee symptoms flare-up. These are short-term treatments that provide immediate relief, as long-term use can lead to side effects. Individuals can find relief with combined self-care that includes:

  • Taking over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen/Advil or naproxen/Aleve.
  • Applying ice and heat packs.
  • Gentle exercise to promote a full range of motion.
  • Gentle stretching or yoga can help relax tight muscles.
  • Chiropractic.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Therapeutic Massage.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Electrical stimulation.

Chiropractic treatment can help to:

  • Relieve soreness.
  • Prevent muscle spasms.
  • Realign joints.
  • Improve mobility.

However, chiropractic is not the primary treatment for arthritis but is intended to be used in combination to relieve pain, loosen and stretch the muscles and balance the body.


InBody


Strength, Balance, and Improved Body Composition

Functional fitness is the ability to move comfortably every day. The benefits of physical activity also contribute to improved body composition. Working to reach a certain level of functional fitness can help the aging process that has been shown to reduce metabolic rate. Inactivity is why individuals lose Lean Body Mass as they age, leading to increased body fat. Lean Body Mass contributes to the bodyโ€™s overall Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR, also known as metabolism. This is the number of calories the body needs to support essential functions. Everyone is encouraged to engage in strength training or resistance exercises, but specifically older adults. This can help regain muscle loss which can lead to an increase in lean body mass. The increase in Lean Body Mass increases BMR, which helps prevent fat gain.

References

Chang, K. L., et al. (2015). Chronic pain management: Nonpharmacological therapies for chronic pain [Abstract]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25970869

Chiropractic care for arthritis. (n.d.). arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/chiropractic-care-for-arthritis

Chiropractic: In-depth. (2019). nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic-in-depth

How to achieve remission in psoriatic arthritis. (n.d.). arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/how-to-achieve-remission-in-psoriatic-arthritis

Living with psoriatic arthritis. (n.d.). psoriasis.org/living-with-psoriatic-arthritis/

Sankowski, A. J., et al. (2013). Psoriatic arthritis. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596149/

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Psoriatic Arthritis Knee Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. We use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans", Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Ultimately, I am here to serve my patients and community as a Chiropractor passionately restoring functional life and facilitating living through increased mobility. Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training and Cross-Fit Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities' premier doctors, therapist and trainers in order to provide high-level competitive athletes the options to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities. We've been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last 3 decades allowing us to restore our patients' health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs. Our programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, un-wanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living. With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age, ability or disability.

Published by

Recent Posts

Improve Sleep Quality with a Pillow Between the Legs

"For individuals with back pain, can sleeping with a pillow between or under their knees… Read More

The Medicinal Properties of Peppermint: A Comprehensive Guide

"For individuals dealing with digestive issues or bowel disorders, can adding peppermint to a nutrition… Read More

Relieve Eczema Symptoms with Acupuncture

"For individuals dealing with eczema, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help manage and… Read More

Recognizing Whiplash: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

"Those experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headache, shoulder, and back pain may suffer from a whiplash… Read More

Discover the Power of Nopal: A Superfood for Optimal Health

"Can incorporating nopal or prickly pear cactus into one's diet help individuals trying to lower… Read More

Maximize Your Fitness Potential with Better Breathing Techniques

"Can improving breathing patterns help further fitness and optimize overall health for individuals who walk… Read More

A Guide to Non-Invasive Treatments for Joint Hypermobility

Can individuals with joint hypermobility find relief through nonsurgical treatments in reducing pain and restoring… Read More

Triceps Tears: Diagnosis and Management Options

"Torn triceps can be a serious injury for athletes and sports enthusiasts. Can knowing their… Read More

Endometriosis Support Therapies: A Holistic Approach to Treatment

"For individuals living with cyclical or chronic endometriosis symptoms, can incorporating support therapies help in… Read More

Unveiling the Effects of Traction Therapy on Herniated Disc

Can individuals with herniated discs find the relief they are looking for from traction therapy… Read More

Exploring Egg Replacement Options: A Guide for Allergies

"Can egg substitutes or replacements be safe for individuals with an egg allergy?" Substitutes and… Read More

Understanding Restoration of Spinal Disc Height with Decompression Therapy

Can individuals with spinal pain in their necks and back utilize decompression therapy to restore… Read More