Psoriatic Arthritis: 7 Warning Signs & Powerful Treatment Options

Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive inflammatory condition of the joints and the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses).

It happens when the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes overactive and creates inflammation, leading to pain and swelling. Most people who develop psoriatic arthritis already have psoriasis (a skin disease) when they are diagnosed, but a small group have joint pain before the skin rash.

Symptoms appear in different ways in different people, which can make the disease hard to diagnose. But it is important to see your doctor soon if joint symptoms arise because early treatment is associated with better outcomes and less damage from the disease.

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but thanks to a better understanding of the disease, treatments can slow its progression, lessen pain, and protect the joints.

Anyone can get psoriatic arthritis, but it is most common in adults, affecting men and women equally. The large majority of people who get this disease already have psoriasis, and, on average, psoriatic arthritis develops about 7 to 10 years after the beginning of skin symptoms. While it is not yet clear who will develop psoriatic arthritis, obesity and having severe psoriasis appear to be associated with a higher risk of arthritis among people with psoriasis. Sometimes, stressful events, trauma to the joints or bones, or infections may trigger the disease.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary greatly from person to person. They may include:

Scaly, inflamed patches of skin typical of psoriasis, often on the scalp, elbows, or knees.
Joint stiffness, pain, and swelling of one or more joints. The joints of the spine can be affected as well, leading to stiffness in the neck, lower back, and hips. Joint stiffness is often worse in the morning or after resting.
Fatigue (feeling tired) often or having a lack of energy.
Tenderness in entheses, areas where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. The back of the heel and the sole of the foot are commonly affected spots.
Painful, sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe.
Nail changes, such as pitting (tiny dents) or crumbling. Nails can also separate from the nail bed.
Eye inflammation, especially uveitis, is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. This condition can cause eye pain, redness, and blurry vision, and must be treated promptly to avoid vision loss.
Inflammatory bowel disease, which causes inflammation in the digestive tract, occurs in some people.

Psoriatic arthritis is an immune-mediated disease, which means that your immune system overreacts and causes problems. Scientists do not fully understand why changes in immune activity happen, but they know that certain factors may trigger your immune system, causing the disease. These factors include:

Genes: Many people who get psoriatic arthritis have a family history of the disease, and researchers have identified some of the genes involved.
Environment: Factors such as obesity, infection, injury, or stress may trigger the onset of the disease.

Although there is no definitive test for psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may do the following to diagnose you with the condition:

Ask if you have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
Talk to you about your symptoms and give you a physical exam. Swollen and tender joints, psoriasis skin lesions, and nail changes are significant signs.
Examine your skin for signs of psoriasis, if you have never been diagnosed with the condition.
Take a blood sample to check for other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Order imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can reveal changes in joints, entheses, or the spine.

Treatment of psoriatic arthritis continues to improve, which can give many people relief from symptoms and improve their quality of life. Your treatment plan depends on the pattern of symptoms and their severity. You may need to try different medications to find one that works, or use a combination of them.

Milder forms of the disease may be treated by:

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications can help treat pain and swelling.
Injections of corticosteroids, strong inflammation-fighting drugs, are administered into the affected joints. Because they are potent drugs, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired benefit.

More persistent or severe disease may be treated by:

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are oral therapies that suppress the immune system on a broad level and help to decrease signs and symptoms of the disease.
Biologic therapies and oral “targeted” therapies, which target specific immune messages and interrupt the signal, helping to decrease or stop inflammation and prevent future damage.

Health care providers who treat psoriatic arthritis include:

Rheumatologists specialize in arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.
Dermatologists specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
Physiatrists (rehabilitation specialists) who supervise exercise programs.
Occupational therapists teach ways to protect joints, lessen pain, perform daily activities, and conserve energy.
Physical therapists help to improve joint function.
Primary health care providers, including family doctors, internists, and pediatricians, treat problems as they arise and coordinate care between the different specialized health care providers.
Dietitians teach about nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.

Having psoriatic arthritis can affect your daily life, but there are ways to lessen its impact. In addition to going to your doctor regularly, here are some things you can try to help manage your symptoms:

If you smoke, work with your doctor to make a plan to quit. Some studies have shown that the more a person smokes, the worse the symptoms tend to be.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This will place less strain on your joints and may help you respond better to medications.
Try different exercise programs and find the best one for you. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, or tai chi may be especially helpful. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Protect your joints, such as by pushing open a door with your whole body instead of just your fingers.
Reach out for support to help cope with the emotional and mental effects of psoriatic arthritis. Consider joining a support group or seeking counselling, which can help you learn more about coping and living with the disease.

Participating in your care can help build confidence in your ability to perform daily activities, allowing you to lead a full, active, and independent life.

Source:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Psoriatic Arthritis.
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriatic-arthritis

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