Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects a significant percentage of people who have psoriasis. This type of arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; if left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage.
While psoriatic arthritis isn’t curable, a variety of treatment options can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Here’s an overview of psoriatic arthritis and some of the psoriatic arthritis treatment options available.
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. It typically manifests in individuals who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
This disease can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in any joint in the body, including those in the hands and spine. The intensity of psoriatic arthritis can range from mild to severe. If not adequately managed, it may permanently damage the joints.
Identifying Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
The signs of psoriatic arthritis often mirror those of rheumatoid arthritis and can impact one or both sides of the body. Typical symptoms include:
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Pain in the feet
- Generalized joint discomfort.
- Pain in the lower back
- Changes in nail appearance
- Swelling in fingers and toes
Potential Risk Factors and Triggers for Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis doesn’t have a single identifiable cause; however, it’s associated with several risk factors. Individuals with a family history of either psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis are generally more prone to developing the condition.
Several elements could potentially trigger a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis. These include:
- Emotional stress
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Inadequate sleep
- Smoking
Treating Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis has no cure, but several treatments can help manage the disease and improve patients’ quality of life.
GI Care Infusion offers a variety of infusion therapies that are effective in treating psoriatic arthritis. These therapies are typically delivered intravenously, and they work by reducing inflammation and preventing flare-ups.
Some medications that might be delivered via infusion therapy for psoriatic arthritis include Stelara, Infliximab (Remicade), and Renflexis.
Stelara Infusion
Stelara, or ustekinumab, is a biological drug used to treat various conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The treatment begins with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion through a vein in the arm, and the amount of medication provided is based on the patient’s body weight.
Stelara works by blocking certain natural proteins in the body – interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 – that cause inflammation. This helps to control symptoms and prevent damage to the joints.
Infliximab Infusion
Infliximab, also known as Remicade, is another biological drug used to treat psoriatic arthritis. It works by blocking the action of a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
TNF-alpha is involved in systemic inflammation and is produced in excess in people with certain autoimmune disorders such as psoriatic arthritis.
Infliximab is administered through an IV infusion at our certified infusion center. The dosage and frequency of infliximab depend on the individual’s medical condition and response to therapy.
It has been shown to reduce signs and symptoms, inhibit the progression of structural damage, and improve physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Renflexis Infusion
Renflexis (infliximab-abda) is a biosimilar to remicade. Biosimilars are biological products that are approved based on proof that they are highly similar to other FDA-approved products – infliximab in this case. They have no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety or effectiveness from the reference product, but they cost less.
Like Remicade, renflexis works by inhibiting the TNF-alpha protein to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. It’s given as an IV infusion at an infusion center, with the dosage and frequency depending on the individual’s condition and response to therapy.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in Atlanta
At GI Care Infusion, we specialize in offering comprehensive care through personalized infusion therapies for psoriatic arthritis. Our treatments include advanced IV infusion therapies such as Stelara infusions, Infliximab (also known as Remicade), and Renflexis infusions. These therapies aim to reduce flare-ups and inflammation, enabling you to regain control over your life and start living without limits.
Our outpatient infusion center is fully equipped to provide the utmost comfort during each session. We encourage patients to relax, listen to their favorite music, or even watch a movie they choose during the treatment.
To learn more about our infusion therapies and psoriatic arthritis treatments, contact our main location in Atlanta, Georgia, at (470) 785-4616. If you would like to set up a private consultation with one of our providers, fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
