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Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Psoriatic Arthritis Self-Care Tips

Check out these self-care tips to manage your psoriatic arthritis and reduce flares.

1. Psoriatic Arthritis Self-Care Tips
Psoriatic arthritis can affect many aspects of your health — sometimes all at once. While effective medical treatments are available, much of the management of PsA is focused on self-care to prevent and treat flares.
2. Get Moving
Getting regular exercise — 30 minutes, five times a week — has several benefits. It’ll help you maintain a healthy weight, keep extra pressure off painful joints, keep your joints flexible and relieve stress. Talk to a certified fitness expert or physical therapist to help you get started.
3. Get Proper Nutrition
A healthy, balanced diet — one rich in fresh foods like fruits and vegetables and low in sugar, fat and salt — can help you boost your overall health and control your weight. Eating too many unhealthy foods may increase feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
4. Limit Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with medications and increase the side effects of some drugs. Ask your doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol with your psoriatic arthritis treatments.
5. Quit Smoking
In a 2014 study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, researchers found that compared with non-smoking psoriatic arthritis patients, smoking PsA patients had worse self-reported disease. Smokers were also less likely to stick with their treatment plan and had a poorer response to treatment.
6. Manage Stress
Out-of-control stress can worsen flares and make it harder to manage daily activities. Meditating, listening to soothing music, walking, joining a support group and engaging in a therapeutic exercise — such as yoga or tai chi — can help reduce stress.
7. Protect Your Skin
Use creams, ointments or lotions containing aloe vera, jojoba or capsaicin to ease pain and itching. Take short, warm (not hot) baths using oilated oatmeal, bath oil, Dead Sea or Epsom salts to soothe skin. Make a habit of applying moisturizers following daily showers or baths, and after swimming. Guard against sunburn by wearing hats and using broad spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
8. Wash and Dress With Care
Wash clothes with fragrance-free detergent and fabric softeners to reduce risk of skin reactions. Choose clothing that is loose-fitting to avoid scratching scaly areas of skin. Items made of natural, soft fibers like cotton may be less irritating to skin and cooler in warm months.
9. Use Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can be a regular part of your treatment regimen. Heat wraps improve blood circulation and help reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms. Apply cold packs to your aching, swollen joints and burning skin. Cold helps reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels in affected areas.
10. Care for Your Hands and Feet
Keep your nails trimmed short to avoid risk of injury. Extra care should be taken with manicure and pedicure instruments, whether at home or in a salon. Wear gloves when working with your hands and choose shoes that won’t irritate swollen toes.
11. Attend to Your Emotional Well-Being
Try to stay active, even if you don’t feel up to it. Getting out can distract you from your pain and fatigue. If you don’t feel well enough to venture out, call or text a friend to stay connected. Keep a journal to express your emotions, and record your symptoms so you can understand your limitations and work around them. Or, find a psychologist who works with people who have chronic conditions.
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Psoriatic Arthritis Related Articles
Find More Psoriatic Arthritis Articles
7 Self-Care Tips for PsA

Psoriatic Arthritis

7 Self-Care Tips for PsA
Healthy habits help you manage your psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Read More
10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis
Here are 10 tips on how to care for your feet and hands when dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis.
Read More
Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis
Learn about the causes, diagnosis and treatments of psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune, inflammatory form of arthritis. Watch these videos to find out what you need to know.
Read More
Connect with Others
Local support groups bring together people with arthritis to exchange tips, share concerns and encourage each other.
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Diagnosed With Psoriatic Arthritis?

Get the latest news and tips about living with Psoriatic Arthritis in the Living Your Yes! e-newsletter.

 
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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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