NSAIDs

• Doctors usually begin treatment for psoriatic arthritis with over-the counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn or Celebrex. These analgesics help relieve pain and stiffness and are effective for mild cases of psoriatic arthritis. Unfortunately, NSAIDs sometimes worsen the skin rashes that occur with psoriasis, leading doctors to turn to other medications or treatment methods.
  
  

Corticosteroids

• For infrequent attacks of psoriatic arthritis, corticosteroids are an option. Typically injected into a site adjacent to the painful joint, corticosteroids work to relieve inflammation, reducing pain. Long term use of cortisone injections may cause a number of unwanted effects, such as weight gain, elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor will most probably limit the usage of corticosteroids.
  
  

DMARDs

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs work to prevent the damage to joints that occurs with psoriatic arthritis. A number of DMARDs are effective for treating the condition, including Azulfidine and methotrexate. But sometimes these drugs take an extended period of weeks or months to alleviate symptoms. Side effects of DMARDs include damage to the liver, so while you take the drug, your doctor is likely to perform regular bloodwork to check ensure your liver is functioning properly.
  
  

Immunosuppressant medication

• A primary cause of the psoriatic arthritis is a problem with your immune system that makes it attack your joints and spine. Drugs that suppress the immune system, called immunosuppressants, may stop these attacks, resulting in less pain and damage to the joints. But suppressing the immune system for too long often can leave the patient too susceptible to infections and anemia. Because of this, doctors typically reserve the use of immunosuppressants for severe cases of psoriatic arthritis.
  
  

TNF-alpha inhibitors

• Called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors, drugs like Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade limit the amount of proteins in your body that often contribute to psoriatic arthritis. Doctors administer TNF-alpha inhibitors through injections, which can be costly and may possibly fatal side-effects, such as infection tuberculosis. Doctors resort to TNF-alpha inhibitors only after other treatments have proven unsuccessful.
  
  

Alternative Medicine and Lifestyle

• The vitamin beta-cryptoxanthin, zinc, glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil capsules all have the potential to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. A normal body weight and regular exercise can also help.
  
  

Surgery

• Doctors treating psoriatic arthritis usually resort to surgery only if the need arises to replace or repair a joint. Such procedures typically require a hospital stay of three to five days, often followed by rehabilitation.