About this topic
Psoriatic arthritis is also called PsA. This kind of arthritis is related to a skin disease called psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease where the body attacks itself. It causes sore patches on the skin with red and silvery scales. Arthritis involves swelling of joints. ‚
There are five types of psoriatic arthritis. It may affect: ‚
- The same joints on both sides of your body and be disabling. This is the symmetric type.
- Some joints, but you may not have problems with the same joint on the other side of your body. This is a milder form and is the asymmetric type.
- The joints near your finger and toe nails. You may also have changes to your nails. This is the distal interphalangeal predominant or DIP type.
- Your spinal cord and this leads to problems moving. This is the spondylitis type.
- The joints of your hands and feet. This is a severe and deforming type called Arthritis mutilans.
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of this illness. They believe that genes have a role in this disease. Things in the area around you may also play a role. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have this illness if you have psoriasis. It often happens to adults between 30 and 50 years of age. Having a family member with this illness raises your risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Feeling very tired, especially in the morning
- Swollen, throbbing, and stiff joints
- Very bad pain in the joints
- Tenderness where muscles are attached to bones
- Joints are warm to touch
- Range of motion is limited
- Sausage-like swelling of the fingers or toes
- Nail changes or nail infections
- Redness and pain of the eye
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will look for swollen joints and signs of psoriasis in the body. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- MRI scan
- Rheumatoid factor
- Joint fluid test
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is currently no cure for PsA. Your doctor may give you drugs or other treatments to help your signs. In severe cases, the doctor may suggest surgery to fix or replace damaged joints. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Your doctor will work with you to control your psoriasis. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
Your doctor may suggest heat or cold to help with pain. ‚
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- You may use tools to help you move around, like a cane and walker.
- Rest the painful area. Avoid any activity that makes the pain worse.
- If you are overweight, try to lose weight
- Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what activity is good for you.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Control or weaken the immune system
Will there be any other care needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Your doctor may send you to a counselor to talk about your fears and worries about your illness.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no known way to prevent this illness. ‚
Helpful tips
Join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with the illness. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/psoriatic-arthritis ‚
American College of Rheumatology ‚
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Psoriatic_Arthritis/ ‚
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/psoriatic-arthritis/ ‚
National Psoriasis Foundation ‚
http://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚