Psoriatic arthritis and a ketogenic diet

Psoriatic arthritis involves inflammation in joints and sometimes the spine or tendon attachments. Food changes may affect energy, weight, digestion or how manageable a routine feels, but a diet label does not confirm or control the underlying condition by itself. Joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness deserve assessment rather than being attributed automatically to food. Read about [Psoriatic Arthritis](/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/) and [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/).

Before starting a ketogenic diet, discuss your medical history, medicines, kidney or liver concerns, diabetes risk and nutritional needs with a clinician or dietitian. Avoid abrupt restriction if it makes you dizzy, dehydrated, constipated or unable to eat enough. Keep prescribed treatment unchanged unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Track symptoms with meals, sleep and activity without assuming that a single food caused a flare. Regular low-impact movement and a tailored physiotherapy plan can support function; see [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/). Ask about [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) when pain or swelling needs treatment.

Contact your clinician if swelling or stiffness continues despite dietary changes, or if pain limits daily activity. Seek prompt advice for repeated vomiting, faintness, marked weakness, inability to keep fluids down or concerning changes in blood sugar. Urgent assessment is needed for a hot swollen joint with fever or severe illness.

Is this diet suitable with my medicines and health conditions? How can I meet protein, fibre and micronutrient needs? What symptoms would mean I should stop? How will we judge joint inflammation separately from general wellbeing?