“My arthritis is killing me,” Ted Danson said. “It’s my hip… a small problem can become a big problem.” In an interview with Grand Magazine, the Primetime Emmy Awards winner said: “I am a hypochondriac, but psoriatic arthritis is genuine enough to get your attention.”
What is psoriatic arthritis?
The NHS explains: “Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with the skin condition psoriasis.
“It typically causes affected joints to become swollen, stiff and painful.”
The long-term condition can progressively get worse and, if severe, the condition can lead to permanently damaged or deformed joints.
“Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is thought to happen as a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue,” the NHS adds.
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Experts at the National Psoriasis Foundation said the inflammatory disease of the joints has “no cure”.
There are, however, “a growing range of treatments available to help stop the disease progression, lessen pain, protect joints and preserve range of motion”.
Common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can include:
- Fatigue
- Tenderness, pain and swelling over tendons
- Swollen fingers and toes that sometimes resemble sausages
- Stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints
- Reduced range of motion
- Morning stiffness and tiredness
- Nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed
- Redness and pain of the eye (uveitis).
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Leaning towards empowerment, Danson said: “I’m going to take care of myself… I’m going to take care of it. That empowerment induces health and well-being.”
Treatments for psoriatic arthritis
Treatment options can range from oral medication to reduce inflammation to biological therapies that are injected, the National Psoriasis Foundation notes.
“You should see a rheumatologist to receive the highest standard of specialised care for your joints and connective tissues.”
The informative charity Versus Arthritis states: “Starting the right treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance of keeping your arthritis under control.”
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
People can have a genetic disposition to be more likely to develop the condition.
If you have a genetic susceptibility for psoriasis arthritis, then the following factors could trigger the condition:
- An infection
- An accident or injury
- Being overweight
- Smoking.
Ted Danson starred in Made In America, which is showcasing on Film4 on Friday, November 4 at 6.35pm.
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