Psoriatic arthritis, the chronic inflammation of the skin and joints, is a common coexisting condition with more than 200,000 cases in the United States annually.
According to a recent study on men, there is an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis if there has been a low level of cardiorespiratory fitness at an early age.
With these findings, encouraging younger adults to become more proactive now about their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is important.
An autoimmune condition, where one’s immune system fights against healthy cells, psoriatic arthritis is associated with many factors, although the exact cause is unknown.
If there is a family history of psoriatic arthritis, this increases the likelihood of the condition; genetics, psoriasis, immune reactions and certain environmental factors, such as bacterial or viral infections and physical trauma, are also risk factors.
Although symptoms vary in individuals, they can include joint stiffness, painful and swollen joints, fatigue, eye problems, skin flares, rashes, tendon pain, and the appearance of sausage-like toes and fingers.
Psoriatic arthritis is the most common coexisting condition affecting up to one-third of patients with psoriasis; both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are considered to affect both men and women. In studies, high levels of physical activity have decreased the risk of psoriasis in women.
Overall, physical inactivity is considered the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with physical activity influencing autoimmunity. Physical activity, without a doubt, is a positive addition to the adding of years to your life.