Psoriatic arthritis affects about 30% of people with psoriasis.(Mease et al., 2013) Show
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints and where tendons and ligaments connect to bone. Like psoriasis, PsA is associated with related health
conditions (comorbidities). It can start at any age and may affect children. The disease often appears between ages 30 and 50. For many people, it starts about 10 years after psoriasis develops, but some develop PsA first or without ever developing or noticing psoriasis. Though
there is no cure, there is a growing range of treatments available to help stop the disease progression, lessen pain, protect joints and preserve range of motion. If you have or suspect you may have PsA, it is extremely important to work with a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in how the immune system affects joints, bone and muscles) to find the right treatment plan. For help finding a
rheumatologist near you, contact the Patient Navigation Center. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of PsA can prevent or limit the extensive joint damage that can occur in later stages of the disease. PsA can develop slowly, with mild symptoms, or it can develop
quickly and severely. Some people may develop PsA in a joint after an injury. Development may also be related to genetics. Scientists estimate that at least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. Common symptoms:
How PsA is DiagnosedUnfortunately, there is no definitive diagnostic test for PsA. The diagnosis is made mostly by your doctor’s observations and by a process of elimination. For example, the symptoms of PsA are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, gout and reactive arthritis. Your doctor will talk with you about your medical history and may perform a physical examination, blood tests, MRI and X-rays. If you think you might have PsA, take this short five-question screener. Share your results with your health care provider. Are you at risk?Psoriatic Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?Dr. Cassandra Calabrese explains the similarities and differences between PsA and RA. Read moreFour Faces of ArthritisGet to know the main types of joint disease and how to tell them apart. Read moreUnderstanding InflammationWhy does it happen? And how do you keep it under control? Read morePsA LocationsPsA can occur in any joint or wherever your ligaments and tendons connect to bone. Learn more about the symptoms and signs of PsA, including spondylitis, enthesitis and dactylitis. Classifications of Psoriatic ArthritisWhat You Can DoTreatments for PsA range from oral medications that reduce inflammation and swelling to biologic therapies that are injected or infused, while targeting specific parts of your immune system to combat PsA symptoms and slow joint damage. You should see a rheumatologist to receive the highest standard of specialized care for your joints and connective tissues. Ask your health care provider to refer you to a rheumatologist or contact the Patient Navigation Center for help finding a rheumatologist in your area. You have treatment optionsLife with PsAThe impact of PsA on your quality of life is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But there are significantly fewer resources for people living with PsA than there are for people with RA. These inequalities in health resources have led to an unacceptable situation regarding PsA:
Connect with the Patient Navigation CenterLearn more about PsA, its symptoms, treatment options and ways to live a healthy life . Get in touch todayMease, P. J., Gladman, D. D., Papp, K. A., Khraishi, M. M., Thaci, D., Behrens, F., . . .
Alvarez, D. (2013). Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics. J Am Acad Dermatol, 69(5), 729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023 Last updated on 6/2/2022 by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Is psoriatic arthritis a degenerative joint disease?Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects some people with psoriasis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that involves cartilage at the end of bones wearing away. “Arthritis” is a term that describes more than 100 health conditions that cause joint pain or damage.
Does psoriatic arthritis destroy joints?If you have psoriasis, tell your doctor if you develop joint pain. Psoriatic arthritis can severely damage your joints if left untreated.
What joints are most affected by psoriatic arthritis?Psoriatic arthritis typically affects the large joints, especially those of the lower extremities, small joints of the fingers and toes, and can affect the spine and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis. Eyes, tendons, gastrointestinal system, and nails can also be involved.
How long does it take for psoriatic arthritis to damage joints?The majority of cases begin with the skin condition and then progress to joint pain within seven to 10 years. “Recent studies have found that patients with psoriasis who develop severe fatigue, heel pain, and joint pain without overt swelling are more likely to develop PsA.”
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