Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyPsoriasisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Terrif amt of swelling & pain, Tremfya hasn’t kicked in yet

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
New York, NY

My 53 yr old daughter also has psoriatic arthritis. she was originally diagnosed with lupus, but now on top of that she has this conditional so. She had been taking methotrexate for a couple of years, but she’s had trouble with that with her lungs and she had methotrexate pneumonia and so she had to come off that. They they’ve put her on Tremfya it’s so far she certainly had two shots and it has not kicked in at all. Doctor said it could take up to six months and in the interim she’s taking… read more

December 29, 2025
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

OMG the poor kid! I have been on Methotrexate for 25 years, I think! With Folic Acid. I have PsA and OA now but stopped my injections. I need replacement parts everywhere. When my hands are bad, for both Ps and PSA, I use Vaseline then rubber gloves. Soak in hot water to help relax the joints. Maybe putting your feet in bags then in hot water? The heat will open the pores up to soak the moisture in better. Mom slathered me. We went to the ocean when the weather was good and brought jugs home to soak in, too. I have never heard of pneumonia from Methotrexate before. It was recommended by MDs to wear compressions socks and elevate your legs often. A massage to move the fluid up is good too. I keep Ginger Beer or ginger chews handy for the upset stomach.😘

December 30, 2025
MyPsoriasisTeam

What can help manage severe swelling and pain while waiting for Tremfya to work?

It's tough waiting for a new medication to kick in, especially with such significant swelling and pain. The cold compresses you suggested are a good start for temporary relief.

Here are some additional strategies that may help while waiting Show Full Answer

What can help manage severe swelling and pain while waiting for Tremfya to work?

It's tough waiting for a new medication to kick in, especially with such significant swelling and pain. The cold compresses you suggested are a good start for temporary relief.

Here are some additional strategies that may help while waiting for Tremfya to become effective:

Immediate Relief Options:
- Elevating swollen joints above heart level when resting can help reduce fluid buildup
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises may help maintain mobility without overworking the joints
- Compression garments (like compression socks) might provide some relief for ankle swelling

Medical Considerations:
Since prednisone upsets her stomach, she should talk to her doctor about:
- Taking prednisone with food to minimize stomach upset
- Whether a different corticosteroid formulation might be better tolerated
- Possible joint injections for severely affected areas, which can provide targeted relief without systemic side effects

Physical Therapy:
Hand therapy and physical therapy can be particularly helpful for strengthening muscles around affected joints and maintaining function during this waiting period.

Important Note:
If the swelling continues to worsen or she develops fever, warmth, or increased redness around the joints, she should contact her doctor promptly. Early and aggressive treatment is important to prevent permanent joint damage, so staying in close communication with her rheumatologist during this transition period is crucial.

December 29, 2025

Related Questions

View All
My Perspective: Decades of Pain, Then Finally a Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis
Fluocinonide for Psoriasis: Can It Help With Itching and Swelling?
Psoriatic Arthritis Hip Pain: 5 Ways To Manage It
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In