An article with patient recommendations about techniques to manage psoriatic arthritis quoted Kevin McKown, MD, professor (CHS) and head, Rheumatology. 

The advice offered by Dr. McKown was among 31 different strategies suggested by health care professionals for reducing the burden of psoriatic arthritis, a condition often associated with psoriasis — which is the most common autoimmune disease in the country. Psoriasis affects approximately 7.5 million Americans, one-quarter of whom have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons.

Maintaining a healthy weight is key, Dr. McKown urged, since weight loss can prevent joint damage, heart disease, and diabetes that occur more frequently in patients with psoriatic arthritis. 

Losing weight can also improve the effectiveness of arthritis medication, he said.

Additional tips mentioned in the article include doing low-impact exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and finding a rheumatology specialist who is versed in caring for people with the condition.

Resources:

• "31 Ways to Manage Your Psoriatic Arthritis," Health, June 2, 2017