Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause stiff, swollen joints as well as skin rashes related to psoriasis. It’s a lifelong disease with no known cure.
Some people diagnosed with PsA may only experience relatively mild symptoms, like inflamed joints and reduced range of motion. These can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
Other people may have a moderate or severe case of PsA that can lower their quality of life. Flare-ups can worsen PsA symptoms and make it difficult to do everyday activities, such as turning faucets on and off, getting dressed, walking, and bending down. Moderate to severe flares may prevent some people from being able to perform their job.
If you find that PsA is preventing you from accomplishing certain tasks, you might want to consider using assistive devices to help. A physical or occupational therapist can recommend which assistive devices might be best for you.
Here’s an overview of some common assistive devices for PsA.