Treatment:

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or salicylates to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints.

More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as:

• Leflunomide
• Methotrexate
• Sulfasalazine

New medications that block an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are becoming the treatment of choice. These include:

• Adalimumab (Humira)
• Etanercept (Enbrel)
• Infliximab (Remicade)

Occasionally, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.

In rare cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints is needed.

Your doctor may suggest a healthy mix of rest and exercise. Physical therapy may help increase movement of specific joints. You may also use heat and cold therapy.

Expectations (prognosis):

The course of the disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. In those with severe arthritis, treatment is usually very successful in relieving the pain.

Complications:

Repeated episodes may occur.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms develop along with psoriasis.