Having Psoriatic Arthritis can be a very frustrating and painful condition to deal with. There are many different causes, symptoms, and treatment options available. The best thing to do is to learn more about the condition and to seek out the best possible treatment for you.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and a decrease in the range of motion of joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms may also include swollen joints, tendons and joints, and a red, hot, or puffy appearance of the skin. Typical areas affected by psoriatic arthritis are the fingers, toes, knees, back, and neck. However, it can affect other parts of the body.
Besides causing joint pain, psoriatic arthritis can also cause changes in your nails. It is common for people with this condition to have nails that become bumpy, crumbly, or pitted. Some people with psoriatic arthritis have nails that separate from the nail bed, which is known as onycholysis. Occasionally, the entire nail pulls away from the nail bed. It is also possible for a part of the nail to have a white tint.
In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system becomes overactive. The inflammatory response of the body causes swelling, heat, and pain. In the early stages of this disease, symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, and lack of energy. Symptoms tend to come and go, but with treatment, most people experience better outcomes.
The most common psoriatic arthritis symptoms are joint swelling, inflammation of the entheses, joint stiffness, and swollen joints. Some people may develop conjunctivitis in their eyes. Inflamed uveitis may also result in eye redness, blurred vision, and pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care.
If your doctor does not know what’s causing your symptoms, he or she may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. Several medications are available over the counter. Others, such as methotrexate, are prescribed by a doctor.
A physical examination is helpful to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. A doctor will look at your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. You may also need to undergo imaging tests to determine the exact nature of your joint changes.
Psoriatic arthritis can be painful and hard to manage. It can also lead to joint damage if it is not treated properly. You should seek medical attention at an early stage to reduce the extent of the damage.
Causes
psoriatic arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body. The symptoms can be painful and disabling. It is caused by an immune system attack on healthy tissue. It is a chronic disease, and can also lead to heart disease, immobility, and reduced quality of life.
Although there is no known cause of psoriatic arthritis, there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Among these are genetics and infections. In addition, men and women are equally susceptible to developing psoriatic arthritis.
The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swelling, pain, and stiffness of the joints. It can also affect the hands, feet, toes, and ankles. It may also cause nails to split or separate.
Depending on the severity of psoriatic arthritis, there may be medications to help reduce the symptoms. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. These drugs work by blocking the body’s inflammatory response to infection. However, they can also suppress the bone marrow. Changing medication regimens over time can be necessary to avoid these effects.
Some of the more common medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis include sulfasalazine, leflunomide, and methotrexate. These medications are administered orally, or as injections into the muscle. A rheumatologist can decide if these medications are right for you.
Some people with psoriatic arthritis have problems with their nail beds. This can be a symptom of psoriasis, and a rheumatologist can confirm a diagnosis by examining the nail bed.
Some of the more severe forms of psoriatic arthritis can lead to joint damage, and this is something that can be prevented by early diagnosis. Imaging tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds can also be used to detect changes in the joints and bones. If the joints are severely damaged, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
Psoriatic arthritis is not contagious, and there is no known cure for the condition. It can be controlled with medications and by avoiding triggering conditions. The goal is to reduce pain and achieve remission.
People who have psoriatic arthritis should consult their rheumatologist or dermatologist. The severity of the disease and the age of the patient will determine the treatment plan.
Treatment options
Whether you’re just starting treatment for psoriatic arthritis or you’ve been dealing with the condition for some time, finding the right treatment can make a difference. Many people with the condition find relief through medications and surgery, but there are other options. The choice of medicine depends on the severity of the disease and the associated skin symptoms.
The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain and swelling in the joints. Patients may also experience joint stiffness. In addition, the condition can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression of the condition and lower the chances of permanent disability.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain. These medicines are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. They can be taken as a tablet, injection, or applied directly to the skin. They’re effective at reducing pain but can cause liver damage and blood pressure problems.
Injections of corticosteroids can also help relieve the inflammation in the joints. These medications are also used to suppress the immune system. They’re usually given once or twice a day. They’re effective at reducing joint inflammation and pain but can have significant side effects if used for a long period of time.
DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are also used to treat psoriatic arthritis. These drugs work by blocking the chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. These drugs are stronger than NSAIDs and can slow the progression of the disease. They can also be very expensive, though.
Biological agents are also used to treat psoriatic joint inflammation. These medicines can be used alone or in combination with NSAIDs and other DMARDs. These medications are more expensive than other medicines and can take weeks or months to fully affect the inflammatory process. They’re also very expensive, so they’re usually reserved for people who haven’t responded to DMARDs.
Physical therapy can help improve your body’s flexibility and joint mobility. It can also keep you active and help protect your joints. A healthy diet with lean meats and fruits can also help.
Mimics
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis mimic other inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition, it can increase the risk of cancer and lymphoma, and cause depression and anxiety. Symptoms include pain and inflammation in the joints, as well as skin rashes and nail changes. Some people with psoriatic arthritis also experience other medical conditions, such as obesity.
The exact causes of psoriatic arthritis are unknown, but it is thought that stress and certain environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease. Some people also have a family member who has the disease. Fortunately, most cases of psoriatic arthritis do not require surgery. Instead, patients are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and injections of strong inflammation-fighting drugs.
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be recommended to replace damaged joints. Some patients may also experience “sausage toes” or nail changes. If you have psoriatic arthritis, make sure you break your activities into small, frequent breaks. This will allow you to take time to rest and avoid overexertion. It is important to keep your weight under control, as overweight people are more prone to developing psoriatic arthritis.
Ultimately, it is important to get a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis as soon as possible. The best way to diagnose this condition is through a physical examination and lab tests. It is also important to talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and stress levels, as this can have an impact on your condition. If you are interested in living with psoriatic arthritis, join my e-newsletter for tips on living with the condition.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
