Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red patches and silver scales over the skin. In some cases people develop inflammatory arthritis. The skin disease usually comes first and latter on the arthritis may appear. It can affect any part of the body. There are different types of psoriatic arthritis to look out for when looking at the disease. These different types are symmetric psoriatic arthritis, asymmetric psoriatic arthritis, distal interphalangeal predominant, spondylitis, arthritis mutilans.

Cause

The immune system begins to attack the healthy tissues and cells. It is an autoimmune disease. A viral or bacterial infection may trigger psoriatic arthritis in people.

Risk Factors

It can affect men and women equally. The numbers range from 10%-30% of people develop psoriatic arthritis. It can develop at any age, but usually affect people 30-50 years. There is not a known cause but it seems that is mostly likely hereditary. Meaning if anyone in your family has had the disease your chance of getting the disease increases.

Psoriasis, family history, and age.

Symptoms

This disease is chronic and gets worse over time. However at times the disease goes into remission, which slows down the down its progression. Common symptoms are swollen fingers and toes also known as sausage digits, foot pain and lower back pain.

Low back pain, conjunctivitis, decreased range of motion, swollen joints, nail pitting, foot pain fatigue, swelling fingers or toes.

Inflammation of tendons, cartilage, eyes, lung lining, and aorta

Diagnosis

There is no definitive test to find psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis is usually found from the process of elimination. The signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to other forms of arthritis.

Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is treated separately from psoriasis. The psoriatic arthritis involves a combination of NSAID’s and exercise. The strength of medication can be increased if the level of severity increases. But exercise routines are good for the joint. A program that includes stretching and strengthening is very useful in maintaining the condition. If treatments are aggressive and early the outcomes are better.