Psoriasis: how you can help yourself

Exercise is essential to preserve strength and maintain range of motion. Isometric exercise is often prescribed because it appears to be less damaging to inflamed joints. A range of motion program should be coupled with a stretching program. The ancient chinese discipline of Tai Chi combines these two components. Soreness and discomfort after exercise is a sign of over doing it or of choosing the wrong exercise. Stretching exercises are especially useful for spinal arthritis.Cycling if possible is an excellent form of non impactive exercise. Swimming in heated water is possibly the best form of exercise for this condition.

Splints In addition to exercise and localised therapy, a splint can be used to support a joint in a position to improve function and relieve psoriatic arthritis and swelling. It should be stressed that as soon as is possible that the splinted joint should be exercised and returned to unsupported use.

Heat, cold and rest are used to relieve psoriatic arthritis. Immobilising an inflamed swollen area while using ice packs can reduce the swelling and improve range of motion. Osteoporosis may occur with arthritis, particularly with psoriatic spondylitis.This can lead to the danger of fractures from minor trauma. Calcium supplements along with vitamin D can be used as a preventive measure. In addition, drugs that aid calcium metabolism and bone formation may be used. Prolonged bed rest should be avoided and an exercise routine maintained, unless directed by a doctor.

Diet and Climate Changing the diet has not been found to be conclusively useful for psoriatic arthritis. However, a warm, stable climate is in the majority of cases found to have some influence on the general well being of the sufferer. Salt water and Sun can result in dramatic regression of psoriasis. There are no hard and fast rules with this condition what works in one case does not necessarily work in another.

Mental health is as important as any other factor in treatment of this condition. long term psoriasis can lead to depression and it is vital that the individual maintains as healthy a mental state as is possible. Onset of limited mobility to a previously fit person can induce feelings ranging from resentment to despair this coupled with the disfigurement and consequent lack of self esteem resulting from the skin complaint is a powerful modifier to a persons overall mental health. Effort must be made by friends and family to introduce the sufferer to new activities to read more