Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

 How to say it

sor-ee-A-tik arthritis

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

Doctors don't know the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis. But it's linked to problems with the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system). Other factors include:

• Family history. People who have psoriatic arthritis often have relatives with either psoriasis or arthritis, or both.

• Certain infections. These include strep infections and HIV.

• Environment. Stress, injury to skin, and certain medicines may trigger psoriasis to become active.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling in any joint, including the spine.

• Joint or back stiffness, especially in the morning.

• Patches of rough skin. They are usually red underneath and scaly and white or silver on top.

• Fingernail problems. These may include pitted or crumbly nails, or nails that are detached from the nail bed.

• Pain and swelling where muscles attach to bones.

• Swelling of the fingers or toes.

• Eye redness or inflammation.

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Psoriatic arthritis doesn't go away. It's a long-term (chronic) condition that needs long-term treatment. Medicines are an important part of treatment. These medicines may include:

• Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines. These help reduce swelling and pain.

• Prescription medicines that limit the effect of the immune system. They may reduce or prevent joint damage. Methotrexate is a pill that's often used. Biologic and targeted synthetic medicines and skin patches may also be used.

• Steroid injections in affected joints. These can help ease symptoms.

• Topical medicines for rough skin patches. You put these on the skin to ease discomfort and dryness.

Your doctor may also recommend:

• Regular exercise to improve flexibility and strength.

• Physical therapy. It can help ease pain and improve flexibility.

• Heat packs. They can help ease pain and swelling.

• Shoe inserts to keep your feet and ankles stable. They can also help with foot pain.

What are the complications of psoriatic arthritis?

Possible complications include:

• Joint damage that gets worse.

• Reduced ability to use affected joints.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• You have pain that gets worse.

• You have symptoms that don’t get better or that get worse.

• You have new symptoms.