First-line treatment for psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect joints, tendons, fingers, toes, and the areas where tendons attach to bone. Joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness may come and go, while skin or nail psoriasis can provide an additional clue. The treatment goal is to calm inflammation, protect function, and address the body areas involved.

Arrange assessment if swollen or painful joints persist, especially with psoriasis or prolonged morning stiffness. Anti-Inflammatory Medication may help symptoms, but the choice depends on your health history and whether treatment is needed for joints, skin, eyes, or bowel symptoms. Physiotherapy can teach safe strengthening, mobility work, pacing, and ways to reduce strain on painful joints. Balance activity with rest during flares, and keep a record of swelling, stiffness, skin changes, and medication effects.

Seek urgent medical help for a painful red eye with light sensitivity or vision change, a suddenly hot and very swollen joint with fever, or rapidly worsening weakness. Request a treatment review when swelling continues, daily tasks become harder, side effects appear, or symptoms return before the next planned dose.

Ask which joints and tissues are involved, what improvement to expect, how medication safety will be monitored, and whether skin or nail treatment needs coordination. Ask for a flare plan and specific exercises that fit your current pain and swelling.