8 Tips to Live Your Best with Psoriatic Arthritis

On most days, you don’t want to live your best life, you just want to get through the day. You can do both, but it does take some effort and patience. It’s worth it because you deserve to enjoy life just as much as anyone else and this is not impossible even though it may sometimes feel like it is. The most important thing you can do is to stay on top of your treatment, making sure to go for timely checks, take your medications, and so on. That’s essential because it is the key to prevent or delay irreversible joint damage. There are a few other things that you can also do to better manage psoriatic arthritis so that you can truly live your best life with joy and fulfillment.

Tips For Living With Psoriatic Arthritis

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1. Find Your Own Way To Stay Active

Exercise is challenging for anyone who has been sedentary and it’s even tougher when you suffer from joint disease. Don’t force yourself to take up any rigorous exercise routine that you find painful and simply don’t enjoy, as that will make it harder to be consistent. Explore activities that keep you moving without putting much stress on the joints. Swimming and pool activities would be the top choice, but you can also try yoga, dance, and other forms of exercise. Just make sure that it suits your abilities, doesn’t cause pain, and is something you enjoy.

2. Stay On Top Of Your Feelings

Chronic pain from conditions like psoriatic arthritis can take a toll on your mental health, triggering stress and anxiety without you even realizing it. Be aware of these risks and adopt mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and other techniques that are proven to promote relaxation. If you feel overwhelmed and have a tough time reach out to a therapist or counselor for help.

3. Take Breaks & Ask For Help

Fatigue is a common psoriatic arthritis symptom that can suddenly creep up on you and pushing through will only exacerbate symptoms. Take it into account when planning daily schedules or performing any task so that you can take breaks to rest. Just as importantly, don’t try to shoulder all of the responsibilities alone. Whether it’s at work or at home, delegate some tasks and ask others for help.

4. Reorganize Your Home

Every part of your home can be redesigned for comfort, making it psoriatic arthritis-friendly. The first step is to de-clutter. Get rid of any junk and rugs on the floor that can trip you up and result in a bad fall. Reorganize your storage in the kitchen and bedroom, so that frequently used items are in easy to reach top drawers. Invest in kitchen appliances that can do some of the work for you and switch to utensils and tools designed with better grip. Bathrooms can be hazardous, so make sure to install nonskid mats and grab bars.

5. Meet With An Occupational Therapist

Having to meet yet another health professional may seem pointless, but this can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Occupational therapists can offer guidance and resources for you to develop skills and techniques that will make everyday tasks much easier, from getting dressed and eating meals, to socializing and taking part in leisurely activities.

6. Dress For Comfort

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you have psoriatic arthritis you need to pay even more attention to your clothing. Get well fitted and soft shoes that will protect your feet from pain. Invest in compression workout clothing, as this will help reduce joint swelling and pain that can occur while exercising. When stepping out in the cold, make sure to layer up too because low temperatures can worsen arthritis symptoms.

7. Pamper Yourself

Aside from breaks and downtime, which all of us need, treat yourself to regular massages. Massage therapy is not going to help treat psoriatic arthritis but it can significantly reduce pain and flare-ups as it relaxes the muscles and also lowers your stress levels.

8. Make Connections 

Aside from the fact that we are social animals, psoriatic arthritis can create feelings of isolation because so few people understand what you’re going through. This makes it important to connect with others who share your experience. Support groups don’t just help you emotionally, but they are also good places for an exchange of ideas, including information on psoriatic treatments and what works for different people.

Don’t try to make these changes all at once and don’t do it alone. With time and some help, life will get better despite psoriatic arthritis.