Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is joint pain and swelling that occurs in some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly skin patches. People who have psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis later. In some cases, psoriatic arthritis develops before psoriasis.

 How to say it

sor-ee-A-tik arthritis

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

Doctors don't know the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis. But it's linked to problems with the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system). Other factors include:

• Family history. People who have psoriatic arthritis often have relatives with either psoriasis or arthritis, or both.

• Certain infections. These include strep infections and HIV.

• Environment. Stress, injury to skin, and certain medicines may trigger psoriasis to become active.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling in any joint, including the spine

• Joint or back stiffness, especially in the morning

• Patches of rough skin that are usually red underneath and scaly and white or silver on top

• Fingernail problems, such as pitted, or crumbly nails, or nails that are detached from the nail bed

• Pain and swelling where muscles attach to bones

• Swelling of fingers or toes

• Eye redness or inflammation

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Psoriatic arthritis doesn't go away. It's a long-term (chronic) condition that needs long-term treatment. Medicines are an important part of treatment. These medicines are often used:

• Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines to help reduce swelling and pain

• Prescription medicines that limit the effect of the immune system. They may reduce or prevent joint damage. Methotrexate is a pill commonly used. Biologic and targeted synthetic medicines and skin patches may also be used to treat psoriatic arthritis.

• Steroid injections in affected joints to help ease symptoms

• Topical medicines for rough skin patches to ease discomfort and dryness

In addition to medicines, these treatments may be recommended:

• Regular exercise to improve flexibility and strength

• Physical therapy to help ease pain and improve flexibility

• Heat packs to help ease pain and swelling

• Shoe inserts to keep your feet and ankles stable, and to help with foot pain

What are the complications of psoriatic arthritis?

Possible complications include:

• Joint damage that gets worse

• Reduced ability to use affected joints

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• You have pain that gets worse

• You have symptoms that don’t get better, or symptoms that get worse

• You develop new symptoms