What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red patches with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis before psoriatic arthritis, but for some, joint pain starts before or at the same time as the skin symptoms.
The main signs of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. These symptoms can affect any part of the body, including your fingers and spine, and can range from mild to severe. Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis tend to flare up at times and improve or go away during periods of remission.
Although there’s no cure for psoriatic arthritis, advances in treatment can slow its progression, reduce pain and protect the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms
Nearly all people with psoriatic arthritis have symptoms that affect their joints and skin. You may have additional symptoms as well. The type and severity of symptoms vary from person to person.
Common symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is common in people with PsA
- Enthesitis: Tenderness, discomfort and swelling where tendons and ligaments attach to bones
- Joint swelling: Sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe
- Joint pain: Pain, stiffness, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints
- Reduced range of motion: Difficulty moving joints due to pain or swelling
- Morning stiffness: Feeling stiff and tired, especially in the mornings
- Nail changes: Pitting (small dents) or separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Eye inflammation: Redness, pain and eye irritation, known as uveitis
The severity of psoriasis on the skin doesn’t always match the severity of psoriatic arthritis. You might have mild skin symptoms but significant joint pain or swelling.
When to see a doctor
It is time to talk with your doctor if you have new or worsening joint or skin symptoms. If you have a family or personal history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, it’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor about your risk factors for psoriatic arthritis. Having this conversation early can help you get the right treatment and prevent severe joint damage.
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, causing inflammation, pain and potential damage. While the exact cause of PsA is unclear, researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic factors that make some people more likely to develop the condition, along with environmental triggers such as infections, stress or physical injury.
Possible complications
Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent and significant damage to your joints. Although it’s rare, inflammation from PsA can also affect internal organs or tissues and increase your risk of developing other health conditions.
Psoriatic arthritis may increase your risk of:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dry eye syndrome
- Heart disease
- Gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Stroke
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis can also help lower your risk of developing these conditions or other complications.
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including specialty orthopedic centers in North and Central Texas.
