9 Things That Make Psoriatic Arthritis Worse

You are too stressed

Many health experts say that stress is described as the disease of our century because it affects people of all ages and causes a lot of other physical and mental diseases. Everyone can be stressed and it’s perfectly normal to feel it from time to time, but frequent episodes of stress can be problematic and you have to consult your doctor. 

When you are stressed, your body realizes hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that increase your heart and breathing rates and can change the way your muscles and ligaments work. So, these symptoms can cause severe pain in people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that patients with psoriatic arthritis reported serious pain when they were stressed out. 

The most common symptoms of chronic stress are irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia and diarrhea. Practicing yoga, meditation, tai chi or spending time with your loved ones, listening to music or learning something new can help you reduce the symptoms of stress, and of course, it will relieve psoriatic arthritis pain. 

Here are 10 Warning Signs You Are Under Too Much Stress, 5 Nutritionist-Approved Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety and These 5 Strange Symptoms Are Linked to Stress.

You wear the wrong shoes

If you suffer from arthritis, back problems and other diseases that affect your joints, bones and ligaments, you have to choose your shoes wisely. High heels or other uncomfortable sneakers can cause you severe pain. Unfortunately, many people try to force their feet into shoes that don’t fit and choose fashion instead of their own comfort and health. 

According to Marian Hannan, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-director of musculoskeletal research at the Harvard-affiliated Institute for Aging in Boston, people should choose comfortable shoes to minimize pain and increase their ability to perform their daily tasks. 

It has been proven that people who suffer from arthritis but wear uncomfortable shoes are more likely to develop complications and experience severe pain. 

You might also want to read: 12 Shocking Things That Are Damaging Your Body, How to Prevent Knee Pain and 14 Tips to Improve Your Bone Health.

You don’t get enough sleep

As you probably already know, sleep deprivation can be one of the most common factors that cause several health problems. In fact, it has been shown that if you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to experience pain, inflammation, fatigue, obesity, stress, depression and so on. 

Health experts recommend at least eight hours of sleep per night and a quality mattress that is comfortable and can support your body properly. Moreover, it’s very important to choose a comfortable pillow because your neck needs support as well. 

In addition, having an appropriate sleeping routine can improve your brain functions, boost your mood and improve your heart health. However, if you want to improve your athletic performance, you have to get enough sleep, especially if you practice endurance sports such as running, swimming or biking.