What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
It occurs in people who have a long-term skin condition called psoriasis.
People with psoriasis have patches of thick skin that are often covered with silvery or white scales.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
In some patients, it can also affect the spine. Stiffness in the joints or lower back is usually worse in the morning, lasts 30 minutes or longer, and usually improves with exercise.
Psoriatic arthritis can affect joints on one or both sides of the body. It usually affects more than one joint.
In addition to joint symptoms (and the skin symptoms of psoriasis), patients sometimes have other symptoms. These may include:
- Swelling of the finger or toe or hands or feet (sausage-like finger)
- Swelling and pain in the back of the ankle or heel
- Pain or redness in the eyes
- Nail symptoms – Nails may appear “broken,” as if pierced by a pin.
What tests may I need to have for psoriatic arthritis?
- Blood tests
- Laboratory tests on a sample of fluid from a swollen joint – to obtain a sample of fluid, the doctor will insert a thin needle into the joint.
- Imaging tests: X-rays or MRI
How is psoriatic arthritis treated?
Treatment for joint symptoms usually includes one or more of the following:
- Conventional disease-modifying drugs (csDMARDs)—Some of these include methotrexate and leflunomide.
- Biological agents
- Targetic synthetic DMARDs – small molecules that fight inflammation and are administered in pill form
- Cortisone injections into the painful joint – These help to immediately reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy – Includes learning exercises, movements, and ways to perform daily tasks.
- Very often, patients with psoriatic arthritis suffer from obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus.
Research has shown that weight loss can help improve psoriasis and arthritis. In addition, weight loss and cholesterol and sugar control can reduce the risk of heart attacks.
- The treatment of psoriatic arthritis is usually long-term. This is because even when symptoms subside, they may return later if treatment is discontinued.
Our goal is for the patient to be symptom-free, both in terms of joints and skin, and to enjoy the quality of life they desire.
