Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that strikes some individuals with psoriasis. Most people develop the skin condition first, but some are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis before any skin lesions are visible, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Significance
The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that up to 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include joint pain, swollen joints, morning stiffness, generalized fatigue and joints that are warm to the touch. You may have pain in joints on one or both sides of your body, in your spine or in your finger joints.
Causes and Risk Factors
Having psoriasis is the most important risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Family history is also an important risk factor. Genetic and environmental factors are hypothesized to play roles in the cause of the disease, as well as the immune system.
Diagnosis
Psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed using various tests, such as X-rays, joint fluid tests, and blood tests that check the sedimentation rate and the rheumatoid factor.
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but medications that help control it include NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and disease-modifying antirheumatics. Joint surgery is rare but may be necessary if other treatments fail to bring relief.
