Psoriatic arthritis is a joint disease that affects people who suffer from psoriasis. A chronic and recurrent condition, psoriatic arthritis can have periods of remission with little to no symptoms present. No matter what state the disease is in, acupuncture can provide relief. During times of remission, acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of the next episode.
The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and redness. Any of the joints in the body can be affected. This includes the toes, fingers, neck and spine. When the spinal column is affected, a condition called spondylitis may ensue, making movement difficult and painful. When the hands or feet are affected, they may become moderately to severely physically deformed.
There’s no reason to be tentative or fearful of utilizing acupuncture during a symptom outbreak. There are many acupuncture point combinations available, so avoiding areas of inflammation is not a problem.
A psoriatic arthritis patient may be diagnosed as having Bi-syndrome. This is a class of disorders that form when meridians become blocked and interfere with the quality and flow of blood and Qi. Patients suffering from Bi-syndrome easily succumb to outside forces such as heat, cold, dryness, dampness and wind. For someone suffering from hot, painful knuckle joints, the predominant pathogenic agent is heat. Therefore, treatment may consist of reducing heat in the area by nourishing the blood and encouraging the free flow of Qi. When the area is free of stagnation, heat is less prone to build up.
Pain and other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may fade away with regular acupuncture treatments and healthy changes in eating habits. Dietary suggestions include avoiding sugary, spicy and fried foods.
Help is available if you suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Contact us today for a consultation!