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What is Psoriatic arthritis?

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Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in people who have a skin condition called psoriasis. People with psoriasis have patches of thick, red skin that are often covered by silver or white scales. 

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What are the symptoms?

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Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints that can affect more than one joint and can be on one or both sides of the body. It can also affect the spine in some people. Stiffness in the joints or low back is usually worse in the morning and lasts 30 minutes or longer. It usually gets better with exercise.

 

In addition to joint symptoms (and the skin symptoms of psoriasis), people sometimes have swelling of a finger or toe, or the hands or feet, swelling and pain in the back of the ankle or in the heel, nail symptoms when nails can look "pitted," as if they were pricked by a pin, eye pain or redness. 

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How is it diagnosed?

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Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is typically based on comprehensive clinical assessment including history and physician.  Certain blood tests and Xrays can help make diagnosis as well.

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How is it treated?

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Treatment for psoriatic arthritis is usually long term because even after symptoms get better, they sometimes return later on. It is very important that you stay active. You might want to avoid being active because you are in pain, b ut this can make things worse. It can make your muscles weak and your joints stiffer than they already are. Your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist can help you figure out which activities and exercises are right for you.

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Treatment can also include variety of anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic medications including biologic medications (injection or infusion) that will require consultation with rheumatologist. Many of these medications treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis both.