There is no specific cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment is aimed at suppressing the disease rather than eliminating it completely. Pain killers like paracetamol may be useful to ease the pain associated with the condition. In most cases, doctors prescribe non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like ibuprofen.

These drugs will help reduce pain and swelling. Creams containing corticosteroids, retinoid, Vitamin D3 derivatives etc may be useful for people with mild cases of psoriatic arthritis. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) like methotrexate or sulfasalazine. The slow down the progression of the disease and help ease the symptoms. Phototherapy is another common treatment method. Patients are given a drug called psoralen which makes the skin more sensitive to light. They are then exposed to UV-A light.

This therapy is commonly used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis but has also been found to be effective in treating psoriatic arthritis. Sometimes, doctors may recommend a low dose steroid injection in combination with DMARD to help treat psoriatic arthritis. A good exercise program and plenty of rest will help manage the condition better. You can also use hot or cold packs to reduce joint pain and swelling.