When is anti-inflammatory medication recommended for psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect joints, tendons, fingers, toes and the spine. Anti-inflammatory medicine can lessen pain, stiffness and swelling, but it may not control the underlying disease activity on its own. Skin and nail symptoms can also need separate attention.

Your clinician may consider symptoms, affected areas, stomach and kidney health, blood pressure, heart history, pregnancy plans and medicines already in use. Take the recommended product exactly as directed, and do not add another anti-inflammatory product without checking first. Keep a record of morning stiffness, swollen joints, skin changes and any unwanted effects.

Arrange prompt review if swelling or stiffness is worsening, function is declining, or treatment is not controlling symptoms. Seek urgent care for a painful red eye with light sensitivity or blurred vision, fever with a very hot joint, or signs of a serious medicine reaction such as facial swelling or breathing trouble.

Ask whether the medicine is for short-term symptom relief or part of ongoing care, how it fits with disease-modifying treatment, and which symptoms should trigger a medication review.