August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide.
When most people think of psoriasis, they think of the skin condition which causes flaky patches of skin which form silvery-white or grey scales.
But fewer people are aware of the other complications linked to the autoimmune condition.
One of those conditions is psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Commenting, Dr Taher Mahmud, Co-Founder and Director of the London Osteoporosis Clinic says: “PsA can have a negative impact on bone health, including increased bone loss, low bone mineral density and a higher risk of fractures. But adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly help manage symptoms and improve overall well being.”
Here, Dr Mahmud shares all you need to know on the condition
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that affects some individuals with psoriasis, although it can also affect people who don’t display any of the more common skin symptoms. It occurs when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue. The immune response causes inflammation in your joints as well as the overproduction of skin cells.
Key Symptoms to Watch For:
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Joint Pain and Swelling: Particularly in the fingers and toes.
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Morning Stiffness: Difficulty moving joints after waking.
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Reduced Range of Motion: Challenges in performing everyday tasks.
“Early detection is crucial,” says Dr Mahmud. “If PsA is left untreated it can lead to permanent joint damage and reduced mobility.
“If you experience these symptoms, especially with a history of psoriasis, seeking medical advice promptly is essential.”
The Connection to Osteoporosis
“Psoriatic Arthritis can predispose sufferers to osteoporosis, which is why it is important for sufferers to take particular care of their bone health,” explains Dr Mahmud. “The inflammation from PsA contributes to bone tissue being broken down faster than it is formed, leading to lower bone density.
“Additionally, certain treatments for inflammatory conditions, especially prolonged use of corticosteroids, can further increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.”
“Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ because it can progress in the background undetected until a fracture occurs,” Dr Mahmud explains. “Weaker bones are more likely to break, and sufferers can find fractures caused by even minor falls or stresses such as repeated common activities like walking or exercise.
“But fractures can have a serious impact on your quality of life, especially if they occur in the spine, hip or neck and can lead to long-term pain and disability as well as a prolonged stay in hospital.
“That’s why it’s so important to take bone health seriously.”
Steps you can take to protect your bone health
“It can feel overwhelming when you have conditions such as PsA, but knowledge and understanding of how all these conditions connect empowers you to take proactive measures to improve your bone health,” says Dr Mahmud. “Concentrating on these four areas can help manage your condition and the associated symptoms as well as preventing disease progression.”
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Regular Screening: If you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, discuss bone density testing with your healthcare provider.
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Optimise Treatment Plans: Work closely with medical professionals to manage inflammation effectively, potentially reducing the reliance on medications that may affect bone health.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporate weight-bearing exercises, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
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Watch what you eat: Incorporate foods which can lower inflammatory responses into your diet, such as berries, nuts and leafy vegetables. Garlic is also an effective natural remedy. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
“Managing psoriasis and its associated conditions requires a holistic approach,” Dr Mahmud concludes. “Addressing skin and joint health while being vigilant about bone density ensures a better quality of life and reduces the risk of complications.”
The London Osteoporosis Clinic offers a wealth of resources and expert guidance for those keen to delve deeper into the underlying causes of osteoporosis and explore preventative strategies.
For more information on bone health and other related topics, visit the London Osteoporosis Clinic.
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