Psoriatic Arthritis: Early Signs and Treatments

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. It occurs in people with psoriasis; a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that results in reddened and itchy patches on the skin covered with white or silvery scales. Approximately one third of the eight million Americans living with psoriasis will also develop PsA.

This condition commonly affects people between the ages to 30 and 50. While it can have serious and painful symptoms and complications if left untreated, many treatments are available to prevent permanent joint damage and increase a person’s quality of life. Search online and read on for more information.

Known Causes And Risk Factors

Psoriatic arthritis is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, causing inflammation of the joints and skin. The actual cause of this irregular immune response is still unknown, but there are some risk factors that may contribute to its development or worsen flare ups.

Common environmental triggers include:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Cold weather
• Certain medications
• Eating excessive amounts of fat and sugar
• Certain traumas, such as injury, infections requiring antibiotics, and recurrent oral ulcers

Researchers also believe there is a genetic component to developing this condition. A person is also at increased risk if a family member suffers from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Early Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of PsA is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the joints, though they range in severity depending on the unique case. The joints most commonly affected are the fingers and toes, but it also develops in the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, and neck.

Specific manifestations of the condition include:

• Spondylitis – Inflammation and stiffness of the spinal joints
• Enthesitis – Inflammation of the area where ligaments/tendons insert into the bone
• Dactylitis – Inflammation of finger and toes

Other common symptoms include:

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Swollen giners agn toes
• Joint deformity
• Fatigue
• Skin issues related to psoriasis, such as itchy, red patches or a silvery buildup of skin plaques
• Nail issues related to psoriasis, such as pitting and nail separation from the nail bed

Treatment Options

There is no current cure for psoriatic arthritis, but there are various treatment options that aim to alleviate or control the symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent damage to the joints. These include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These are effective in reducing the pain and swelling of the joints.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Help to change the course of the disease, reduce the inflammation and prevent progression to joint deformity.
• Biologics: These are classes of biological drugs that target specific effectors of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
• Steroids: Another type of medication used to reduce inflammation that can be injected directly into the joints affected. They’re used only when other treatments don’t work, as they have negative side effects.
• Local treatment: Psoriasis symptoms, including itchy rashes and scaly skin, are treated topically with lotions, creams or ointments.
• Lifestyle changes: Healthy habits including exercise, a balanced diet, stress relief practices, use of hot and cold compresses, and abstinence from alcohol and smoking can improve symptoms.
• Surgery: The advanced stages of psoriatic arthritis are often characterized by extreme joint or tendon damage that can only be rectified with surgery.

Talk To Your Doctor

Psoriatic arthritis can eventually lead to joint damage, deformation and loss of movement if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or you have a family history of the disease, speak with your physician. A doctor can diagnose and administer treatment to control the symptoms and prevent its rapid progression while monitoring for comorbidities like cardiovascular disease. Doctors can also provide information on available resources and aid for people living with psoriatic arthritis.