About 30% of people who have psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness and makes it harder to move. PsA is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time if it isn’t treated and managed properly through regular doctor’s visits. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your appointments, even during the pandemic. More and more people are turning to telehealth as a socially distanced option, although in-person appointments are necessary in many situations. It can be a difficult choice to make: is seeing your rheumatologist in the office worth the risk of exposure to COVID-19? The American College of Rheumatology released guiding principles to help doctors and patients make the best decision for them. Remember: your doctor and their medical staff are following strict safety protocols to keep patients protected, and it’s very likely their entire team is vaccinated at this point in the pandemic. Keep in mind, too, that if you’re fully vaccinated yourself, your risk of severe disease from COVID-19 is significantly reduced, so you can get the in-person care you need.
Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: a Long-Term Commitment
There is not yet a cure for psoriatic arthritis, but symptoms can be eased and damage to joints slowed with ongoing care. And regular contact with your doctor is key, especially if you’re newly diagnosed. As you begin working with your doctor to find the right treatment plan, it’s important for your rheumatologist to be able to examine your swollen joints in person, and they may need to order tests and scans to better understand your PsA progression. In-person appointments are also necessary for people in the middle of flare-ups, or people who are experiencing flare-ups frequently. It’s beneficial for your doctor to see your symptoms at their worst, and they can even give you quick-acting injectable medications on the spot if your flare is severe.
Telehealth visits–typically conducted over video call–can be useful in some cases, like if you aren’t sure your symptoms require an in-person visit, or if your PsA is well controlled and you just need a medication refill. Your doctor can examine your joints over the camera and based on your pain levels and other symptoms, they can recommend an in-person appointment or another strategy. No matter how you see your doctor, it’s crucial to stay in touch and do your best not to delay treatment further. And if you receive injections or infusions on a regular schedule at your doctor’s office, keep up with those as much as you can. Stopping treatment can cause joint damage that may be irreversible.
Without regular, effective treatment, psoriatic arthritis can interfere with work, family, and social activities. One study showed 30% of those with psoriatic arthritis miss work because of the condition and struggle to maintain a full-time work schedule. PsA can also have mental and emotional consequences. Another study found up to 50% of those with PsA experience depression or insomnia. Ultimately, if left untreated, PsA can cause permanent joint damage and disability. And while the path to finding the right treatment can take some twists and turns, it’s worth your persistence and commitment in the long run. That’s why it’s crucial to stay in contact with your doctor, so you can update them if your symptoms worsen or improve, or if you’re experiencing side effects to medications. With this information, your doctor can guide you towards the most effective treatment, which can significantly boost your quality of life and allow you to enjoy more of the things you love and want to do.
Getting the Care You Need
If you know you need to see your rheumatologist in person, but you’re nervous about possible exposure, call the office ahead of time and ask what protective measures they’ve put in place. They are likely very used to these phone calls at this point, so don’t hesitate to ask what you need to know. Your doctor may have you wait in your car before your appointment, rather than in the waiting room, or if you just need a dose of an established injectable medication, they may be able to give it to you from your driver’s seat. Your rheumatologist’s team will do all they can to keep you and other patients safe, so don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and see what solutions they can provide.
Some of what can be accomplished at an in-person appointment can be done through telehealth, including prescriptions for medicine; orders for physical, occupational, or massage therapy; and recommendations for braces or other devices to protect the joints. If you need injections or infusions of medicine or further medical testing, an in-person appointment will be necessary. Fortunately, a combination of in-person and telehealth doctor’s appointments will get you the consistent care you need to manage your psoriatic arthritis effectively.
