6 Ways to Make Life Easier With Psoriatic Arthritis

Before bedtime, tuck a pillow under or between your knees to keep your spine aligned and reduce stiffness in the morning. When you wake up, stretch in bed before getting up slowly.

If you have trouble reaching certain parts of your body while bathing, use a sponge with a long handle or a removable showerhead. Take a bath or sit on a shower seat to prevent joints from getting achy.

To prevent pain while puttering around the kitchen, stand on an anti-fatigue mat designed to reduce stress on your knees and back. Consider sitting on a stool at the counter when possible and seek out kitchen tools with larger grips.

Use a headset or speaker phone to avoid stressing your neck joints while on a call. Try out voice-to-text services to prevent typing fatigue. And pay attention to your posture, making sure your computer screen is at eye level, your knees are bent at 90 degrees, and your feet are on the floor.

Adaptive devices can make turning the wheel or using the pedal easier, and wide key holders make it simpler to start your car. Consider a driving evaluation by an occupational therapist, who can make specific recommendations and ensure you choose tools that fit your needs.

The right rheumatologist can help make psoriatic arthritis easier to live with. Don’t give up until you’ve found a specialist who listens to you and clearly explains what you need to know about your condition.