Living with psoriatic arthritis can be exhausting. It often feels like your whole body is carrying something heavy that it should not have to. Getting out of bed can be slow because your body feels stiff, and by the afternoon, your knees may already be sore. That pain and tiredness do not really go away, even with plenty of rest.
But what if part of that pain and fatigue has something to do with your weight? And what if losing some of that weight could help you feel a little better?
In recent years, researchers and doctors have started to understand how weight affects people with psoriatic arthritis. It turns out that the link is stronger than we once thought. Below, our rheumatologists in Hobart, Indiana are going to explain exactly how your weight could be affecting your joints, and what you can do about it.
Extra weight can make your psoriatic arthritis symptoms worse.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in both the skin (psoriasis) and joints (inflammatory arthritis). It is an unpredictable disease, because its symptoms can come and go and in because those symptoms can be very different from person to person.
However, one pattern that is becoming more obvious is that carrying extra weight can make psoriatic arthritis harder to manage. This happens in a couple of ways.
First, fat tissue itself can make more inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals are called cytokines, and they can cause even more joint pain and swelling. Second, more weight puts more pressure on the joints that are already hurting, like your knees, hips, and lower back. That extra pressure can wear them down over time.
Losing even a little weight can be helpful.
Trying to lose weight when you are already dealing with joint pain is not easy. If walking feels painful or tiring, you probably don’t feel like moving much. And if you are always tired, it is hard to stay motivated to work out. But even small steps can be helpful. Losing only 5% to 10% of your weight can show you noticeable improvements.
In fact, one study from 2019 followed people with psoriatic arthritis who lost weight over seven months. The more weight they lost, the more their symptoms got better. Their joint pain and swelling went down, and they also felt less tired. An earlier study from 2014 had already shown similar results. People who lost even a little weight seemed to have a better chance of getting their psoriatic arthritis under control.
We have seen this locally. Patients who work with a qualified rheumatologist in Hobart, Indiana usually respond better to their treatment after losing weight. Many treatments for psoriatic arthritis, especially biologics, are more effective when there is less inflammation in the body. When you reduce that inflammation, even a little, the medicine is more likely to work how it is supposed to.
There is something else worth mentioning. One study found that pain, mood, and quality of life are all mutually interdependent.
In other words, when your pain decreases and your energy increases, your mood usually gets better as well. And when you are in a better mood, you find it easier to stay active and motivated. That is why so many people say that they feel both physically and mentally healthier once they start to lose weight.
See the whole picture.
Weight management is only one part of managing psoriatic arthritis. A comprehensive treatment plan includes a lot more. For example, you need to pay close attention to your diet, your sleep, and your stress.
Some people don’t realize how much their stress or poor sleep is adding to their pain until they talk to a qualified rheumatologist in Hobart, Indiana. However, once they start properly managing their stress or getting better rest, they notice real changes.
Looking for an Affordable Rheumatologist in Hobart, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified rheumatologist in Hobart, Indiana who can help you understand the impact of weight on psoriatic arthritis or manage your symptoms? If so, our rheumatologists at 219 Health Network are here to help you get the treatment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.