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Question & Answer

We are discussing The Self Management of Arthritis
With Graeme Rossiter, Elizabeth Scrivener and Sally Ranford

Question:
I have been suffering from psoriatic arthritis for some years now. This takes the form of psoriasis under most of my fingernails- which causes them to distort and gradually lift off the nail bed- along with arthritic inflammation in my finger joints and -increasingly- other parts of my body such as my lower back and, more recently, some of my toes. It has been difficult to get useful information about it this relatively uncommon condition. Can you help?

Answer:
ElizabethThere are several forms of Psoriatic Arthritis, and as in a number of other arthritic conditions, we do not yet know the cause of psoriatic arthritis. It tends to 'run in families', so there appears to be an inherited tendency for it. As you probably know psoriatic arthritis cannot be 'caught' as it is not contagious, nor is it caused by an infection. Both the psoriasis and the arthritis are chronic conditions which means they remain with you for life.

A helpful contact for you might be:
The Australian Psoriasis Association,
PO Box 481 Coolangatta,
Qld. 4225.
Telephone: 07 559 1166.

Other organisations around the world who offer on-line support and information include:
-The National Psoriasis Foundation, Oregon USA. Their website address is: www.psoriasis.org.
-The American Medical Association also has many publications available on line at http://www.ama.assn.org. and
-The British Medical Journal has an on line archive of issues that have appeared in its Journal at http://www.tecc.co.uk/bmj

Apart from dealing with the physical symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, you also have to contend with the emotional roller coaster and the practical issues around managing the day to day limitations arthritis places on you. Many people have found self management courses of great benefit. The Arthritis Self-Management Course offers practical and well tested ways of enabling you to cope with these problems. It not only provides information but helps you develop your abilities and confidence in managing your arthritis. Call the Arthritis Foundation helpline on 1800 011 041 for more information.

People who have arthritis are the most exploited of all those who have any disease. Since doctors cannot offer you a cure, it's easy to understand why you might want to try anything and everything that promises to make you feel better. It's estimated that many millions of dollars are spent each year by people with arthritis on worthless or harmful treatments, cures and devices. These 'cures' may include drugs and other medications, potions, devices, special diets, and clinics which claim they will relieve pain and cure arthritis. Be careful of any advertised 'cure' or treatment for your condition. Before you buy or try, check with your doctor, health professional, pharmacist or call the Arthritis Foundation helpline on 1800 011 041.

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