Did you know that it is possible to manage psoriatic arthritis without resorting to meds alone? There are some tried-and-tested natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis. These can help you relieve the pain, swelling, and soreness in the joints. At the same time, it would be foolish to try and cure this condition without taking medical assistance and advice. So, these natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis will have to be done in conjunction with medicines.

Some of these natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis that you can easily follow at home are as follows:

1. Physical activity

Exercise is always the best way to improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. You can start with low-impact, gentle workout sessions that will not strain your joints and cause pain. So, you may choose from options like yoga, swimming, Tai Chi, and walking. Any mobility will reduce pain and help your joints remain flexible. Besides, exercise releases happy hormones in the body that make you feel happy, relaxed, less-stressed, allowing you to get better sleep at night. You can do easy stretches to make sure the joints stay mobile and flexible. It is best to ask your doctor and physical therapist for advice on the right kind of workout for you so that they can come up with a fitness plan for you.

2. Massage

There are some hands-on treatment options like massages which help loosen the muscles, easing stiffness and pain, and relaxing the joints. You can avail these at spas and massage clinics. Alternatively, you can always get a massage therapist to visit you at home.

3. Acupressure and acupuncture

Treatments like acupressure and acupuncture may also be effective for pain relief in psoriatic arthritis. An acupressure therapist will press firmly onto the skin using his fingers, while an acupuncture therapist will use tiny needles, inserting these into specific spots in the body to relieve pain.

4. Hot and cold

Heat and cold treatments will give short-term relief. Applying different temperatures in the sore joints can help to take away the pain for a short while. Moist heat will help to relax the pain in muscles and ease stiffness. It is possible through a paraffin bath, applying a warm towel or heat pack, or by taking a warm shower. Similarly, cold therapy will reduce pain and swelling. To do this, you can use frozen vegetables readily available at home or an ice pack wrapped with a towel.

5. Herbs and supplements

There are many herbs, skin treatments, and supplements which may be used for treating psoriatic arthritis. Foods like apple cider vinegar, herbs like aloe vera, capsaicin from bell-peppers, oats, Dead Sea salts, tea tree oil, Oregon grape, and turmeric may help. However, there is no medical proof that can substantiate this claim.

6. Diet

Following a healthy diet is always the best way to manage any medical condition. Some diets, like a gluten-free one, can help relieve inflammation. You need to maintain optimum body weight as this will ease swelling in your joints and control fatigue. Nutritious diets will also help you to stay away from cardiovascular diseases.

7. De-stress

Finally, stress busters will help to keep symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in check. Tension and anxiety only worsens this condition. Besides, the disease itself will add to stress levels. So, it is advisable to work out regularly to keep your spirits high and lift your mood.