Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness.

It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent.

Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis:

Stress

Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it.

Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis.

Food

The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly.

Anti-inflammatory omega-3:

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Olive oil
• Flaxseeds
• Chia seeds
• Avocados
• Nuts

Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants:

• Nuts
• Dark berries
• Green leafy vegetables
• Dark chocolate
• Dried ground spices
• Coffee and tea

High-fiber foods:

• Oats
• Quinoa
• Corn
• Wild and brown rice

Here is a list of foods that you need to stay away from when you have psoriatic arthritis:

• Red meat
• Diary
• Processed foods

Some of the best diets that can be followed when you have psoriatic arthritis are:

• Gluten-free diet
• Paleo diet
• Mediterranean diet

Following the right diet along with physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis at bay.

Smoking

Smoking is extremely dangerous to patients who have psoriatic arthritis. Smokers are not as responsive to any of the treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Along with quitting the habit of smoking, reducing alcohol is another lifestyle change that can help improve psoriatic arthritis.

Exercise

It is very important to move regularly and keep your joints from becoming stiff. Water-based exercises are recommended for any type of arthritis. Apart from these exercises, a physical therapist will help determine the best exercises for you based on your condition, stage, and type of arthritis.

Once you make these lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis, you will have fewer symptoms and you can lead a normal, happy life. The treatment for psoriatic arthritis includes medication that can reduce the inflammation, steroid injections, and in serious cases, surgery to replace the joint. These treatments are found to be effective only when lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis are made.