FaqsPlanet.com | Find Insightful And Informative Blogs

Home - Health & Wellness - Diagnosis, Symptoms, And Treatments Of Psoriatic Arthritis

Diagnosis, Symptoms, And Treatments Of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of a chronic condition that is generally seen in certain patients already dealing with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by symptoms such as red patches covered with silvery scales. Mostly, patients are struck with psoriasis first and later develop psoriatic arthritis symptoms. However, in some cases, the joint issues can precede before affecting the skin. Continue reading to know more about symptoms, diagnosis, existing and new treatments for psoriatic arthritis.

What are the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
The signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis differ across patients. Symptoms can keep alternating with remission periods. Moreover, since it can mimic other health conditions, diagnosing it can be a bit difficult. The following are some common types of symptoms observed among patients.

Pain and swelling in the joints
Typically, psoriatic arthritis impacts joints in the fingers, lower back, knees, ankles and toes. It can trigger pain and swelling in one or more joints at the same time. Likewise, it could cause stiffness in the joints after long periods of rest.
Dactylitis
People suffering from psoriatic arthritis might have a severe swelling in their fingers and toes, literally giving them an appearance of sausages. This particular symptom helps in distinguishing psoriatic arthritis from rheumatoid arthritis, in which the swelling is typically restricted to only one joint.
Pain in ligaments or tendons
Often patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis develop enthesitis, a type of inflammation which occurs when the ligaments or tendons attach to the bones. In most scenarios, it affects the heels and bottom of the foot. However, this condition can also arise in the elbows.

Apart from the above-mentioned severe psoriatic arthritis symptoms, patients might also project signs such as skin rashes, pitted nails, fatigue, and pink eye.

If one notices such symptoms, then it is advised to visit a doctor immediately. One should refrain from self-diagnosing practices such as reading the symptoms or looking up psoriatic arthritis pictures online.

How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, the doctor will begin with a physical exam and closely observe for symptoms such as swelling and tenderness in the joints, pitted nails, and discomfort in the feet. If the doctor suspects the onset of psoriatic arthritis, then they will recommend imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI to observe any glaring changes in the distressed joints or ligaments. On the other hand, to confirm the possibility of other forms of arthritis, the doctors might suggest the following laboratory tests.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) – A type of antibody, RF is usually spotted in the blood of patients dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. This test can help the doctor pinpoint whether the person is dealing with psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint fluid test – The doctor will extract a tiny sample of fluid from one of the impacted joints, usually, from the knee. If the sample contains traces of uric acid, then it might indicate that the patient is suffering from gout, not psoriatic arthritis.

What are the complications of psoriatic arthritis?
If psoriatic arthritis is left untreated, then it could lead to the following complications.

Irreversible damage to the joints
Pinkeye
Cardiovascular diseases

What treatments are used to for psoriatic arthritis?
At the moment, there is no cure for psoriasis arthritis, therefore the treatment largely focuses on alleviating its symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe medications such as the following.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These can help relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – DMARDs encourage to slow down the progress of psoriatic arthritis to protect the joints and tissues from further damage.
Immunosuppressants – Such medications are instrumental in controlling the overactive immune system, i.e., they inhibit the production of antibodies which attack healthy cells.
TNF-alpha inhibitors – A type of inflammatory substance naturally produced by the body, TNF -alpha leads to swelling and pain in the joints. Like the name suggests, TNF-alpha inhibitors block inflammation and prevent the onset of other painful symptoms.

It is imperative to note that each of these medications come with their own set of side-effects. Therefore, before starting the course, one should be sure to discuss the implications of using such medications.

For severe psoriatic arthritis cases, the patient might have to opt for the following.

Steroid injections – This type of medication is directly injected into the affected joint to lower inflammation and pain.
Joint replacement surgery – If the joints are permanently damaged by psoriatic arthritis, then they have to be replaced with artificial prostheses made of plastic and metal to regain mobility.

As of now, new treatments for psoriatic arthritis include the recently developed medications for plaque psoriasis which help in inhibiting its painful and annoying symptoms. These include a biologic and targeted DMARD. Likewise, various new treatments for psoriatic arthritis are underway in the form of clinical trials. One can attempt to try these new treatments for psoriatic arthritis, however, it is advised to seek a doctor’s approval before participating as these may carry some form of risk.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

All You Need To Know About Bleeding Gums

Latest Articles

The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors

The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body. The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years. Nevertheless, there are some tumors that tend to be highly aggressive. They can spread very quickly to other parts of the human body and can even result in serious issues. What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed: Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia disease can be the victims of carcinoid tumors. This is a disease where tumors form in the cells, making hormones or chemicals that have a major effect on the actions of the body, such as sex drive, mood, and hair growth. Your age can have an effect on your chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. There are certain NETs that have an effect on people of specific ages. The gender of an individual also has an effect on the risk for certain NETs. However, women have an increased chance of suffering from these tumors. The race of a person also has an effect on their chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. The immune system in the body is its defense against all kinds of germs. Diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, such as organ transplant and HIV/AIDS, can increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in individuals. Excessive sun exposure can also result in neuroendocrine tumors. This is because the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that damage the skin DNA. This can result in the growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in cancer. Studies have proved that smoking can also increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in people. What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following: Anxiety attacks High blood pressure Headaches A fever Rapid pulse Clammy skin Sweating Vomiting Nausea Heart palpitations Weight loss Flushing Severe diarrhea Wheezing Increased heart rate Appetite loss Sudden changes in blood pressure Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign. The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again. There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors. The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them. The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors. How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented? There is no way of preventing these tumors at present. However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Top 10 health benefits of safflower oil Safflower oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds of the safflower. CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The CLA safflower oil has a number of health benefits; hence, it is being used as medicine by many people. CLA safflower oil can be used for treating a number of health issues and it is also used as a cooking oil. Continue reading if you wish to know more about the amazing health benefits of safflower oil, its side effects, and more. What are the health benefits of safflower oil? It is believed that safflower oil helps in boosting the immune system. This oil has properties that can protect the body from any kind of infections and it is considered to boost immune health. The CLA safflower oil is good for your heart’s health. When you are having heart-related health issues, your doctor will usually suggest you maintain a balanced diet, and it is important to keep it natural. Safflower oil is a natural oil that has omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. The cholesterol levels of the body are also maintained using this oil. CLA safflower oil helps in losing weight. Shedding those extra pounds is not a simple task and you need to do a lot more along with exercise. Safflower oil is very good for healthy and shiny hair. If you are having dull, damaged, and dry hair, then this oil can be very helpful. Just massage a few drops of this oil into your scalp and it would increase the blood circulation in your scalp resulting in strong hair. When you have strong hair, why not have flawless skin? Yes, there are a number of products available in the market for flawless skin, but how many of them guarantee long-lasting results? Safflower oil can do that for you. You can check the CLA safflower oil reviews for skin and you will find the best reviews about this oil. It is good for joint pains as well. Massaging is one of the best ways to get rid of joint pains and massaging with safflower oil is a good option for better results. Diabetes is a health condition that needs to be treated with the right medicine. According to many studies, the omega-6 fatty acids are considered as the best option for controlling sugar levels in the body. It is also good for treating a migraine headache. Any health problems related to respiration can be treated using this oil. Menstrual pain and cramps in women can be treated with the help of this oil. Are there any side effects of safflower oil? There are no side effects of using safflower oil when used in moderation. This oil is strong and can cause irritation, so do not use it directly. You need to dilute with any carrier oil before you actually use it. What is the dosage of safflower oil that is good for your health? The dosage of CLA safflower oil usually depends on what kind of health issue you are treating. If you are using it to help reduce weight, then you can use it as cooking oil for at least six weeks. For this, you should consume at least one and a half teaspoons of this oil on a daily basis. How should safflower oil be stored for better results? Safflower has to be stored always in a dark place in an airtight container. Safflower oil can be kept in the refrigerator. In order to reduce the chances of oxidation, you should make sure that minimal air and light reaches the containers in which the oil is stored. You need to use the oil in just one or two months after you open the packing or oil tin.