Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Up? 6 Ways to Get Symptom Relief

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2 weeks ago

Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Ups: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Find Relief

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can attack joints anywhere in the body and affects everyone differently. Some people experience pain and stiffness in the hands, wrists, or elbows, while others feel stiffness in the feet, spine, hips, or shoulders. Psoriatic arthritis can also occur in a combination of these joints. The intensity of symptoms during a flare-up varies from person to person, making PsA a uniquely individual experience.

While medications help keep symptoms under control, flare-ups can’t always be avoided. Spotting the signs of a flare-up quickly and knowing how to manage the symptoms can ease your discomfort and prevent long-term joint damage.

What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Ups?

A psoriatic arthritis flare-up can be triggered by a variety of factors. According to Dr. Petros Efthimiou, a rheumatologist in Larchmont, New York, your immune system may be activated by:

Stress
Infections such as the flu or strep throat
Physical injury
Smoking
Skipping or stopping your PsA medications

During a flare, your joints might feel swollen, tender, and stiff. You may also develop areas of tendinitis or swelling of an entire finger or toe, explains Dr. Theodore Fields, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. However, a flare-up doesn’t always come with swelling—sometimes fatigue is the main symptom.

It’s important to stay in tune with how you feel every day to recognize early signs of a flare-up and alert your doctor promptly. “We have many medications that can help stop the progression of psoriatic arthritis and dramatically ease symptoms,” Dr. Fields says. Early treatment can provide faster relief and help prevent joint damage.

How to Ease Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis Flares

Dealing with psoriatic arthritis symptoms during a flare-up requires a multitiered approach. Here are some effective steps you can take:

1. Take Steps to Decrease Pain and Stiffness

For occasional discomfort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may be helpful. Consult your doctor about adjusting the dosage during a flare-up.

Applying heat or ice at the site of discomfort can also relieve symptoms. Use cold packs wrapped in a towel for no more than 15–20 minutes or a warm compress or heating pad for about 20 minutes.

If pain persists, your doctor may recommend prescription pain medication or steroid injections targeted at the affected joint.

2. Check in With Your Doctor

If you have stopped taking your medication, contact your doctor to develop a plan for restarting and adjusting doses as needed. If you’re unsure how to manage the flare-up on your own, seek advice from your rheumatologist.

3. Moderate Your Exercise Routine

Maintaining proper exercise is essential to keep joints and tendons loose, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight.

During flare-ups, opt for gentler exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga. If pain or stiffness severely limit your activity, working with a physical therapist can help you regain mobility safely.

4. Reduce Stress During a Flare

Stress is both a trigger for psoriatic arthritis and a factor that can worsen pain. Research shows that persistent stress and pain can mutually reinforce each other.

Try breath work, deep-breathing exercises, meditation, massage, or acupuncture to help manage stress. Don’t hesitate to reach out for emotional support—letting family and friends know you’re experiencing a flare can provide comfort and assistance.

5. Get Extra Rest When Symptoms Are Flaring

Rest is crucial, although pain might disrupt your sleep. Sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are more common in people with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

Improve sleep quality by developing good sleep habits—go to bed early to ensure adequate rest and use stress-reduction techniques before bedtime. Additionally, pace yourself during the day by prioritizing activities and taking breaks to conserve energy.

6. Consider Using Assistive Devices

Your doctor may recommend devices like splints to support an affected joint, help maintain proper positioning, or reduce pain and swelling.

If foot or heel pain is a concern, wear comfortable, supportive shoes and consider foot orthotics—shoe inserts or pads designed to provide relief and improve your gait. Discuss your specific symptoms with your doctor to find the best supportive options.

The Takeaway

Psoriatic arthritis flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infections, or stopping medications, so it’s vital to monitor symptoms carefully and seek medical guidance promptly to prevent joint damage.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, heat or cold therapy, gentle exercise, and stress-reduction techniques can help manage symptoms during flare-ups. However, any persistent or severe symptoms should be addressed with your rheumatologist, who can tailor a treatment plan and recommend additional interventions.

Additional reporting by Brian P. Dunleavy.

Resources

Meet Our Experts

Dr. Sian Yik Lim, MD
Board-certified rheumatologist at Hawaii Pacific Health. Dr. Lim completed his rheumatology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School. His research interests include osteoporosis, gout, and septic arthritis. He has published extensively in respected medical journals and authored book chapters on osteoporosis.

Mikel Theobald
Freelance writer based in Indianapolis covering education, home and family, Olympic sports, nutrition, fitness, and health.

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