A psoriatic arthritis flare-up can sometimes feel like having an uninvited guest show up without warning, causing pain and stiffness in your joints. It is linked to psoriasis, which is a condition that makes red, patchy spots appear on your skin.
But do not worry! At GI Care Infusion, we have several ways to help you manage this complex condition. Read on to learn more about psoriatic arthritis and the best treatment options to help reduce your pain and make your life more comfortable.
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis. It makes your skin red and scaly. Most people will develop psoriasis first and later develop psoriatic arthritis, but joint issues can appear before any skin symptoms.
The main signs of psoriatic arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. You can develop psoriatic arthritis anywhere in your body, like your fingers or spine. It can be mild or severe and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain that does not go away.
Along with joint pain, people with this condition may also have skin rashes that are common with psoriasis. They may also feel tired, have changes in their nails like pitting or the nail coming off, and swelling in their eyes.
What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?
The specific reason why people get psoriatic arthritis is still a mystery. However, experts believe it happens when the immune system makes a mistake and starts attacking healthy parts of the body near the joints. This causes swelling and pain. Psoriatic arthritis is like psoriasis because they are both autoimmune diseases.
Additionally, things like genetics and infections might also make you more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis.
How GI Care Infusion Can Help You
At our clinic, we specialize in treating conditions like psoriatic arthritis with something called infusion therapy, among other treatments. Infusion therapy might sound fancy, but it is just a way of getting medicine into your body through your veins instead of taking a pill.
What is Infusion Therapy?
Think of infusion therapy as a direct delivery service for relief. Prescription medications like ustekinumab (Stelara®) infusions, infliximab (Remicade®) infusions, and infliximab-abda (Renflexis®) infusions, can be given this way. These medicines work by calming down your immune system and stopping it from attacking your joints and skin.
Infliximab (Remicade®) Infusion
Infliximab, also known as Remicade®, is a biological drug that can help treat psoriatic arthritis. It works by blocking a protein in the body called TNF-alpha, which can cause inflammation in people with certain autoimmune disorders like psoriatic arthritis.
Infliximab is given through an IV infusion at our certified infusion center. The amount and how often it is given depends on each person’s condition and how they respond to the treatment.
Studies have shown that infliximab can reduce symptoms, slow down damage to joints and bones, and improve the physical abilities of people with psoriatic arthritis.
Infliximab-abda (Renflexis®) Infusion
Infliximab-abda, or Renflexis®, is a drug that is very similar to infliximab infusions. It has been approved by the FDA because it works just as well and safely as infliximab but costs less.
Infliximab-abda infusions also work to reduce inflammation and symptoms of autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis by stopping the TNF-alpha protein. The amount of infliximab- abda infusions you need will depend on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment.
Ustekinumab (Stelara®) Infusion
Also known as Stelara®, ustekinumab is a special medicine that can help with different diseases like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. You will get the medicine through a needle in your arm during an IV infusion. The amount of medicine you get depends on how much you weigh.
Ustekinumab blocks proteins in the body called interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, which can cause inflammation. By doing this, it helps to manage symptoms and protect the joints from damage.
Why Choose Infusion Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment?
Infusion therapy provides a powerful and effective approach to managing psoriatic arthritis. It offers real benefits as compared to traditional methods, including:
- Direct effect: Since the medicine goes straight into your bloodstream, it can start working quickly.
- Less hassle: You do not have to remember to take pills for psoriatic treatment every
- Supervision: You are under the care of trained healthcare professionals who make sure everything goes smoothly during your infusion process.
Choosing infusion therapy for your psoriatic arthritis treatment means choosing fast action, convenience, and focused care from your doctor.
Psoriatic Treatment in Atlanta
If you or someone you know is dealing with the pain of psoriatic arthritis, do not wait for it to get worse. Reach out to us here at GI Care Infusion for tailored infusion therapy for psoriatic arthritis treatment. Our team of highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals is committed to reducing your joint pain and getting you back to doing the things you love.
To schedule an appointment, call our main office in Atlanta at (470) 785-4616 or use our convenient online form. We look forward to serving you!
