Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that afflicts individuals with psoriasis (a chronic skin condition causing scaling and itchy, dry patches of skin). According to the Mayo Clinic, most people acquire psoriasis before being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, although in some cases the arthritis may strike before skin lesions are visible.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is one of the most bothersome symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. The pain may be mild or severe, and any of the body's joints may be affected, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Stiffness and Swelling
While symptoms may vary from person to person, stiffness and swelling are generally common with psoriatic arthritis, making it difficult to move or resume normal activity.
Warm Joints
The affected joints may feel warm with psoriatic arthritis.
Types
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis may occur in a localized form in which only one or two joints are affected, and in a generalized form involving three or more joints.The localized form is often mild, while the generalized form can be disabling. A person with localized psoriatic arthritis may experience long periods without symptoms.
Disease Flare-ups
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease, which may flare-up and subside. Though triggers are not universal, factors like stress, injury to the skin and certain medications can lead to skin flare-ups, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Other triggers, like weather changes, diet and allergies may also provoke skin symptoms.
Considerations
No cures for psoriatic arthritis exist. However, treatments like regular exercise, medications, and hot and cold therapy may help manage the symptoms.
