Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that also tends to strike patients who already have psoriasis first. In most cases, psoriasis skin lesions exists first, however, the joint issues of psoriatic arthritis may also be present first. Psoriatic arthritis results in swelling, pain, and joint stiffness. While doctor-prescribed medications, steroid injections, and in severe cases, joint surgeries are the foremost treatments for psoriatic arthritis, many patients turn to natural treatments to reduce inflammatory symptoms and prevent further damage to bones and joints:
1. Get adequate exercise
Many patients claim that low impact exercise helps with the joint issues associated with psoriatic arthritis. Regular exercise can be a safe and effective way to reduce stiffness, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility. Consider swimming, yoga, or rowing. Take a walk or use the elliptical machines at the gym.
2. Stop smoking
Smoking has been shown to cause psoriatic arthritis symptoms to flare up. Instead, ditch the tobacco and start to mitigate symptoms by asking your doctor for help with the help of a smoking cessation program.
3. Go for the ginger
Ginger has many anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkle some into your morning smoothie recipe, your oatmeal, sipping ginger tea, add some to baking, or chew natural ginger candies. If you don’t like the taste of ginger, look into supplementation with ginger capsules.
4. Get those omega-3s.
Omega-3 fatty acids help mitigate swelling and reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. Tuna, salmon, mackerel, herring, and other cold-water fish contain a bounty of omega-3 fatty acid levels.
5. Enjoy an epsom salt bath
Epsom salts contain high levels of magnesium, which naturally supports bone health. It also helps reduce itching that may accompany psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Add some to an evening bath and soak away your symptoms.
6. Bite into bananas
Speaking of magnesium, bite into some bananas, which are high in magnesium. Bananas make an easy addition to breakfast and snacks (i.e., cereal toppers, smoothies, fruit salad, etc.). In addition, the potassium within comes in handy to help the body recover following reducing exercise.
7. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera has long been used to treat an array of skin woes (i.e., rash, bug bites, sunburn, etc.) because of it’s natural anti-inflammatory abilities. It can also safely help soothe psoriasis skin irritations and pain.
8. Grab some oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal (which is finely ground oats) has been shown to not only help with skin issues that might result from psoriasis, but also with those that occur with arthritic conditions. Oatmeal is a whole-grain product, and whole-grain products are known to help with inflammation.
9. Snack on popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain food, so it will help with inflammation. It is also high in fiber. Fiber is known to help with gastric issues that may result from psoriatic arthritis.
10. Apple cider vinegar
Consider drinking apple cider vinegar to help treat psoriatic arthritis. If unable to drink it, mix into a salad. Apple cider vinegar is known to help with both skin issues and inflammatory issues.
