What is the link?

Post your Psoriatic Arthritis related questions for our experts here.

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by Guest Posts on Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:20 am

What is the link?

On behalf of Sharon:
I have been told I have psoriasis and also am suffering from psoriatic arthritis in the balls of my feet. What exactly is this link between these two conditions and how can I alleviate the pain in my feet please? I have days when it is painful to walk but unfortunately I have a job where I am on my feet most of the day. I am currently taking ibuprofen when it gets too bad.
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by Arthritis Action on Mon Oct 09, 2017 11:13 am

Re: What is the link?

Psoriasis is a condition where the immune system attacks the skin. Some people with psoriasis also have a connected condition where the immune system also attacks the joints causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling. Under the balls of our feet we have joints which are commonly affected by psoriatic arthritis. Your rheumatologist should have already started you on medicines to try to control the inflammation which can help reduce pain, and you may be recommended individual joint injections which can also help if you have a few particularly painful joints. There are also lots of things you can do to help yourself. Finding comfortable shoes which can support the joints is essential, and various insoles in the shoes can also help. Shoes such as trainers are often more comfortable than shoes with thin soles, as there is more support for the joints, and high heels should definitely be avoided as they tend to direct all the body weight straight through the painful joints. You should ask to be referred to a podiatrist (a foot specialist) or orthotist who can advise on suitable insoles and footwear, and can make you insoles to suit the shape of your feet.
Keeping to a healthy weight can also help a lot with foot pain.

Best wishes and good luck.

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist

Arthritis Action
56 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6AE
020 3781 7120
http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk

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