Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is commonly linked to patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis, a skin and nail disorder that presents as red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the joints, where ligaments and tendons attach to bones. It is considered an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues, and in this case, the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including your fingertips and spine. Joint inflammation causes pain, swelling and stiffness and can range from mild to severe. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flare ups can occur at different times and in different areas of the body.
There are different types of psoriatic arthritis, the most common types include:
In most cases, patients will develop psoriasis years before being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. But for some, joint problems begin before skin patches appear or at the same time.
Patients who are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis often have a family member that also has it. It is important to let your provider know if you have a relative who has been diagnosed with this condition. Early recognition and intervention can help limit the joint damage that can occur in later stages of the disease. As there is no cure for the disease, there is a growing range of treatments offered to help prevent the progression of the disease, reduce the pain, protect the joints and preserve range of motion.
If you have joint pain or rashes that have presented on the surface of your skin, it is important to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist. An early medical evaluation and established treatment plan can help manage the disease effectively, improving the long-term outcome. Hattiesburg Clinic offers access to a team of medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune joint conditions. Our board-certified physicians are committed to delivering the highest level of care to each patient.