Psoriatic Arthritis : All You Need To Know

Living with joint pain, stiffness, or swollen fingers can be tough, especially when paired with red, scaly patches on your skin. Psoriatic arthritis could be the cause, as it generally connects to psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder. The most common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, skin rashes, and changes to your fingernails and toenails.

Although a healthcare expert can help you find strategies to manage your symptoms, there is currently no recognized cure for psoriatic arthritis.

In this guide, we will mention this condition, treatments, and other essential points. Keep reading to learn more. 

Introduction to Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis causes joint discomfort, stiffness, and edema, affecting about one in four people. Red, flaky skin with silvery-like areas is a symptom of psoriasis. Some people may get this disease before they experience psoriasis. Rarely, persons with this issue do not have any observable psoriasis.

The immune system’s malfunctions bring on both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, which are autoimmune diseases. Our immune system protects us from disease and infection. However, with autoimmune disorders, the immune system becomes confused and targets healthy body tissues, which frequently results in inflammation.

More about Psoriatic Arthritis

Both arthritis and psoriasis are autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease can occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body instead of protecting it. Psoriatic arthritis is mainly characterized by joint inflammation and skin psoriasis symptoms.

During these periods, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis usually flare up and then go away. A healthcare expert will prescribe treatments to help you manage your symptoms during a flare.

When to see a Healthcare Expert?

You need to consult a medical professional if you develop any new skin issues or if you have joint discomfort, stiffness, or edema. Psoriasis is an autoimmune illness, as is arthritis. When your immune system unintentionally attacks your body rather than defending it, you have an autoimmune illness. When you experience joint inflammation and skin psoriasis symptoms, you have psoriatic arthritis.

Its symptoms in the skin and joints often get worse for a while and then improve again. When you experience a flare, a medical professional will recommend ways to alleviate your symptoms. You must see a healthcare expert if you have any new skin problems or joint pain, edema, or stiffness.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are numerous symptoms that this kind of arthritis can produce all over the body. Mild to severe, people frequently experience two or more of these symptoms.

Among the primary signs and symptoms are:

• Joint pain
• stiffness, or edema in one or more joints that worsens after an extended period
• joint stiffness 

The Reason for the Symptoms

The reason for these symptoms is joint inflammation. We call this inflammatory arthritis. Pain and swelling along the bones that make up the joints might be symptoms of psoriatic. Inflammation in the entheses, the connective tissue binding ligaments and tendons to bones, causes this condition. Their inflammation is called enthesitis.

Instead of only occurring inside a joint, enthesitis pain can radiate over a larger region. Touching or applying light pressure to affected regions may cause them to feel tender. It usually affects the feet. This may occur on the bottom of the foot close to the heel or at the rear of the heel. Walking or standing can be challenging in some situations due to this soreness.

Enthesitis can also affect the elbows, chest, hips, and knees. It is possible for people with this type of arthritis to experience swollen toes or fingers. The entire finger or toe swells, which is why it’s called dactylitis or sausage digit. Usually, one or two fingers or toes are affected at a time.

Another sign of psoriatic arthritis is nail pitting. This means small, round dents appear on your fingernails or toenails. The nails may also become thicker, change color, or pull away from your fingers. This disease can also make you feel very tired all the time, even if you get enough rest.

How is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?

If you have psoriasis already, it’s easier to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis becomes more challenging if you do not exhibit the skin symptoms. First, a physical examination and health history are taken. 

ESR, also known as the sed rate, is the rate at which embryos sediment. Red blood cells’ rate of descent to the test tube’s bottom is examined in this test. In the presence of edema and inflammation, the proteins in the blood aggregate and become heavier than usual. They settle more quickly at the test tube’s bottom after falling. The severity of inflammation increases with the rate at which blood cells decrease.

• Uric acid- Although they are not utilized for diagnosis or monitoring, elevated blood uric acid levels can be observed in psoriatic arthritis.
• Imaging testing- Ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and skin biopsies can all be used to detect psoriatic.

How can Psoriatic Arthritis Treated?

Your age, overall health, and symptoms will all affect how you are treated. Additionally, it will depend on how serious your illness is. Both the joint inflammation and the skin problems are treated. Joint injury can be avoided by receiving therapy and diagnosis early. Psoriatic arthritis is treated with a variety of medications, including:

• To reduce symptoms, use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Inflammation-reducing corticosteroids disease-modifying antirheumatic medications and other immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation.
• Minerals and vitamins, including calcium and vitamin D, promote healthy bones.

Other forms of treatment could be:

• Workout
• Warmth and cold
• To assist you in carrying out your everyday tasks, occupational therapy
• Physical therapy to improve joint and muscle function
• Treatment of skin rash caused by psoriasis
• Splint devices
• A broken joint can be replaced or repaired surgically. Years after the diagnosis, this is frequently not required.
• UV light therapy

Potential Complications of Psoriatic Arthritis

The illness might cause enough joint damage to change your level of activity. Weak muscles and tight joints can result from inactivity. Fatigue and anemia, or low red blood cell counts, are further symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. You have a greater chance of developing:

• Type 2 diabetes
• elevated blood pressure,
• elevated cholesterol levels
• Having too much weight

Important Facts on Psoriatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis that causes a skin rash is psoriatic arthritis. Here are some essential facts you must know:

• A persistent condition that affects the skin and nails is psoriasis. It results in thick, pitted fingernails and scaly, red rashes. The rash could appear prior to or after to the symptoms of arthritis.
• Psoriatic arthritis results in painful, swollen, and inflamed joints. The fingers and toes experience it most frequently. Deformed joints may result from it.
• Medication, heat and cold, splints, physical therapy, exercise, and surgery are among possible forms of treatment.

Conclusion

Your skin, nails, and joints can all be impacted by psoriatic arthritis. It results in skin and nail alterations, discomfort, and edema. Despite the fact that there is no cure, medications, counseling, and physical activity can help control the symptoms. Y

our joints can be protected from long-term harm with early diagnosis and care. See a healthcare expert for guidance if you experience joint discomfort, edema, or new skin issues. With the right treatment, you can live a healthier and happier life.

Keep in mind that maintaining an active lifestyle, getting frequent checkups, and leading a balanced lifestyle can all help manage psoriatic arthritis.

FAQs

1. What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis linked to psoriasis, a skin condition. It causes joint pain, swelling, and changes to the skin and nails.

2. Can this disease be cured?

No, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but treatments can help handle the symptoms and prevent joint damage.

3. What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, skin rashes, pitted or thickened nails, and fatigue.

4. How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose it through physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.

5. What treatments are available for psoriatic arthritis?

Treatments include medications like NSAIDs and corticosteroids, physical therapy, exercise, and, in some cases, surgery.

6. Can I have this arthritis without skin symptoms?

Yes, some people with psoriatic arthritis may not show visible signs of psoriasis.

7. How can I manage psoriatic arthritis at home?

You can manage it by staying active, using heat and cold therapy, eating a healthy diet, and following your doctor’s advice.

Also Read: – Muscular Dystrophy – A Silent Killer